A TOUGH TUSSLE WTTH TOFFEE TOWN.
Burnley Express - Wednesday 02 March 1904
Saturday Nelson journeyed to Everton. The ground was covered with snow and the Seedhillites had the misfortune to lose the toss. Nelson had the better of the first few minutes' play. Whitley had twice to save, while Balmer put good defensive work, was conspicuous with fine work, and a clever run and centre should have been improved upon, but three other forwards missed the ball, and Wilkinson cleared. Hodgkinson called upon Whitley with a beauty, the custodian turning the ball over the bar, and from the ensuing corner Hindle grazed the bar. Collin ran to the Nelson goalmouth, where Roberts shot wide, and Cowell and Derbyshire defended well during pressure. The Scedhillites again took up the running, and Kay followed a grand dash shooting inches wide. Then from centre from Simpson, Sheridan scored for Everton, the visitor; appealing strenuously against the point. They got on terms, however, a few minutes later, Hodgkmson beating Whitley with a splendid shot. Nelson continued to show fine form, and Morris should have scored, but shot yards too high. Derbyshiore followed with a" brilliant clearance, and Walker saved well from Chadwick. Nelson defended grandly on Everton pressing, but O'Hagan headed through from a corner after Walker had once saved. 'Nelson made fine effort to getting on terms again, and forced corners without result. At half-time Evetrton led by two to one, but the play Nelson were somewhat unfortunate in being behind at the interval. In the second half Nelson for while had the bettor of the exchanges, and Walker equalised the scores with a capital shot. After this success, however, the visitors fell away again, and taking the running, added through Sheridan and O'Hagan. Eventuaily Everton ran out winners by four to two.

ELLAS ROBERTS
Shrewsbury Chronicle - Friday 04 March 1904
Everton Football Club have been fortunate in securing the transfer of Ellis Roberts, of Chirk. Roberts plays at centre forward, and is a good shot. His first appearance with the Everton team was on Saturday at Goodison Park.

NELSON AT GOODISON PARK
Nelson Chronicle, Colne Observer and Clitheroe Division News - Friday 04 March 1904
The Nelson team on Saturday journeyed to Goodison Park to meet Everton Reserve, In consequence of the roughness of the game at Nelson the previous week with Preston North End, and the injuries received by the home players, important alterations had to be made for Saturday. Walker was unable to turnout, and Cranna who had recovered front his lameness, was placed in his stead. Morris was again tried as outside right. Pomfret did not take part in the encounter, but it is expected that he will turn out to-morrow in the great Derby match with Accrington Stanley. It has been rumoured that Pomfret will not be able to turn out again this season, and that the Nelson committee are looking out for a new back, but the spectators are, however, hoping to him (Pomfret) on the field to-morrow.
The ground at Goodison Park was covered with snow, and the Nelson team turned out as follows :—Walker, goal; Cowell and Derbyshire, backs; Holden, Ainsworth and Hindle, half-backs; Morris, Watkins. Hodgkinson, Kay, and Cranna, forwards.
The players had great difficulty maintaining foothold owing to the slippery state of the ground, and the game in the opening stages was very slow. The visitors, who kicked off, showed superior than the Toffee players, and Whitley was twice called upon to save good shot. Balmer put in some grand defensive work, and play hovered round the Everton goal. A clever run was made by Cranna, who was very conspicuous, and he centred well. The Chance was lost through three of the other forwards missing the ball, and Wildman cleared.
The visitors continued to press. Hodgkinson called upon Whitley with a beauty and the custodian was lucky to turn the ball over the bar. From the ensuing corner Hindle grazed the crossbar. A further corner fell to the Seedhillites and Whitley had again to save.
A rash was made towards the Nelson goal, where Cowell and Derbyshire were equal to the occasion, defending well. Nelson were soon away to the other end, where Kay finished a grand run with a beautiful shot which had the misfortune to miss the mark by inches only. Everton got going and from a centre by Simpson. Sheridan scored the first goal. Sheridan was apparently off-side and the visitors appealed, strenuously against the point. Not long afterwards, however, Nelson severely pressed the Everton defence, and after experiencing encing hard lines Hodgkinson got possession and defeated Whitley with a splendid shot. Nelson continued to press, and Morris should have scored, but shot yards too high. Derbyshire followed with a brilliant clearance, and Waker saved well from Chadwick. Nelson defended grandly on Everton pressing, but O'Hagan headed through from a corner after Walker had once saved. Nelson made a fine effort to get level again, and forced corners without result. On the play Nelton were somewhat unfortunate in being behind at the interval.
Half-time score: Everton 2; Nelson 1.
Resuming the visitors made the game exceedingly hot for the Toffee men, and they continued to have the best of matters. Some grand combination was shown by the Nelson forwards and the game had not been in progress, long before Watkins equalised. Although the visitors' forwards had most of the game they were very unlucky when in front of goal and before the finish Everton scored a further couple a goals through Sheridan and O'Hagan. The result was: Everton Reserve. 4; Nelson, 2.
The Nelson team have played 30 matches (including cup ties) won 16, lost 10, and drawn 4. They have scored altogether  67 goals, against 49 scored by their opponents.
Appended is a correct list of the goal scorers of the Nelson team in al matches
Watkins 20, Kay 16, Hodgkinson 12, Cowell 8, Morris 4, Almond 2, Pomfret 1, Walker 1, Ainsworth 1, Hindle 1.

TEAM ARRANGEMENTS FOR THIS DAY
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 05 March 1904
EVERTON’S INTERESTING FRIENDLY
With Liverpool first team without a match- it seemed likely at one time they would play a “friendly” away, but negotiations fell through, and perhaps it was as well they did in view of the all important home matches this day week with Sheffield United- there should be a big crowd present at Goodison Park to-day, when Aston Villa visit Everton again. Both teams will be strong, and an interesting game should certainly be the outcome. Gordon for Balmer, is the only change from last week’s team. Kick-off 3.30.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Gordon and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Rankin, and Hardman, forwards.
Aston Villa.- George, goal; Noon and Miles, backs; Wilkes, Wood, and Leake, half-backs; Clarke, Hall, Watkins, Matthews, and Lockett, forwards.
Everton Combination v Black Lane
Lancashire Combination match at Black Lane; Exchange Station 1.10; kick-off 3.
Everton;- Whitley, goal; Wildman and Murray, backs; Clayton, Chadwick, and Makepeace, half-backs; Dilly, Sheridan, Roberts, O’Hagan, and Simpson, forwards.

OUTDOORS SPORTS
Liverpool Mercury - Saturday 05 March 1904
Owing to the third round of the Association Cup-ties being due to be played this afternoon, and with Everton and Liverpool not directly interested in them, there is little to attract the football public in this city. Everton have arranged to play a friendly fixture with Aston Villa, and, as both sides are turning out their League players, the game should be worth watching. The Midlanders play a classy game, and, as there is not the serious question of points to consider this match should provide an interesting exposition of the code, displaying all the finer qualities, for Everton are, like their opponents, capable of exhibiting irreproachable football at times. Friendly matches are not, as a rule, very entertaining forms of sports, but, with two such exponents of the game as will oppose each other at Goodison Park today, this state of affairs may be altered.
Lancashire Combination Division A
Black-Lane Temperance v Everton Reserve, Radcliffe
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Wildman and Murray, backs; Clayton, Chadwick, and Makepeace, half-backs; Dilly, Sheridan, Roberts, O’Hagan, and Simpson, forwards.
Train leaves Exchange Station at 1.10. kick-off three p.m.
Ordinary Match
Everton v Aston Villa, Goodison Park. Kick-off 3.30
Everton,.- Kitchen, goal; Gordon and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Rankin, and Hardman, forwards,
Aston Villa;- George, goal; Noon and Miles, backs; Wilkes, Wood, and Leake, half-backs; Clarke, Hall, Watkins, Matthews, and Lockett, forwards.

EVERTON v ASTON VILLA
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 05 March 1904
A FRIENDLY GAME AT GOODISON PARK
YOUNG SOON SCORES FOR EVERTON
MATTHEWS MAKES THE GAME LEVEL
By Pigeon Post and Telephone
As both of our premier football organisations met an early fate in the English Cup competition, neither of them had engagements for the dates, which had been kept open in anticipation of success. Liverpool is too keen a football centre to miss first-class play on a Saturday afternoon, and, as Everton were without a serious engagement, they invited Aston Villa, who are in the same predicament to have a friendly encounter. On such occasions football of the highest and most scientific class is often seen. At any rate, the spectators to-day anticipated a clever exhibition by the two clubs, who hold such eminent reputations. The following were the teams;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Gordon and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, McDermott, and Rankin, forwards.
Aston Villa.- George, goal; Noon and Miles, backs; Wilkes, Wood, and Leake, half-backs; Clarke, Hall, Warkins, Matthews, and Lockett, forwards.
There was only a small number of spectators present when the players came out. Everton started the game with ten men, although Taylor afterwards came out in place of Hardman, the homesters rushed the game at the commencement, and Young soon found an opportunity of shooting, to which, however, George responded in very fine style. After this the Villa came down and penned their opponents for some time, but eventually Taylor was instrumental in getting the ball away. The Villa came again on the right, Clarke passing along and giving Watkins a chance; but once more Taylor fell back and cleared his lines. The opening stages of the game were of “that mild order” which usually characterises friendly games. Nevertheless the play was very pretty and full of method, with many neat finishing touches thrown in. after a free kick by the Villa Abbott headed the leather smartly to Taylor, and the right wing made a businesslike incursion, but the leather was scrimmaged over the goal line. Everton were soon in possession, and Rankin avoiding the attentions of Noon, passed to McDermott. The movement was continued by Young accepting a smart centre, and letting fly at George, who just got his fist to the leather in time. The Villa failed to relieve the pressure and a second or two later Young beat George easily at close quarters. Resuming the Villa dashed away, overcoming all opposition, and Kitchen slipping in goal failed to resist Matthews, who easily equalised. A few minutes later the Evertonians were in front of George, who saved a warm shot from Taylor. Lockett made a great run along the touch line, and after some bustling moves Kitchen had to save from Watkins, and a little later cleared a shot from the long field. Wolstenholme lobbed in a long shot, but Noon covered his goal effectively. The Villa right wingers beat Abbott, and Clarke shot in with poor result. The visitors kept up the pressure and forced a corner from Gordon, but this failed to cause any danger to the home side. Sharp took play into Villa quarters, but after a tussle Miles got the ball away, a header by Abbott was taken advantage of by the Villans, but Leake was outwitted by Gordon, who obtained possession after a dashing sprint. Everton then went to the front but McDermott shot yards wide. Play settled down in midfield, where interesting exchanges culminated in Taylor leading an attack, which was, however, staved off by the sterling defence of the Villans, who took the attack into Everton territory, where Clarke put in a couple of neat centres from which Lockett made an erratic effort. Soon after Kitchen cleverly negotiated a beauty from Matthews. The Villans were attacking with considerable verve, and their shooting was sharp and accurate. A change of venue was made by Everton’s right and Sharp wound up with a fairly good shot. Before the Villa got away again Booth put in a mediocre effort Rankin received a pass, and went merrily away, but was pulled up for offside, after which the Villa had another turn at pressure. Abbott relieved and Rankin nipped away, afterwards passing to Young. A long lob from the last-named went to Sharp, who dashed down to close quarters. Taylor and Young each had shots at goal, but without success. McDermott, Young, and Taylor engaged in a fine move at the end of which Taylor sent in a rattling shot. Sharp brought the ball down again, and George brought off a couple of fine saves from Young and McDermott. Ranking and McDermott put in some clever footwork, which puzzled Noon and pleased the crowd immensely. At last Mac got a fine opening, but just as he was about to shoot George came out of his den, and with Noon effectively sandwiched the Evertonian. The Blues were doing very well at this point keeping the attack vert close and troubling George sorely. One beautifully judged shot from Rankin brought out the best qualities of the Villa custodian. Brum next went away with a rattle, and Matthews was out by himself until Abbott and Crelly brought him to grass. A fine opening for Hall was badly mulled, and a minute after he made another very erratic effort. Sharp and Leake then had a sharp duel, which ended in the cricketer being so damaged on the knee that he quitted the field. The Villa had nearly all the subsequent game up to half-time, which arrived with the score equal -1 goal each.
TAYLOR GIVES EVERTON THE ELAD
HALL EQUALISES
The weather was bitterly cold, but when operations were resumed 4,000 people had assembled. Sharp reappeared with his colleagues but was limping and unable to take advantage from a nice pass from Taylor. A corner fell to Everton, but McDermott headed behind. Operations were conducted in far from lively fashion in midfield until Wolstenholme tried a long shot, from which George gathered the leather comfortably enough, but almost immediately afterwards McDermott nearly beat him with a very hot shot at close quarters. The Villa custodian had acquitted himself in a masterly fashion throughout, and had a much more difficult task than Kitchen. Another shot from McDermott went straight into George’s hands, and then Taylor had a go Young following suits, but none of the shots met with success. A long cross had better luck, for Taylor came on the spot and hooked the ball into the net. The Villa invested the home quarters after the restart, but Rankin went away on his own, the result being that a further spell of pressure was put upon the Birmingham goal. Clarke came away, but when the ball came across Gordon cleared prettily. Splendid work by Everton’s left made a nice opening for Young but at the critical moment he kicked the leather on to Moon. Next came a corner kick by Sharp, who placed the leather clean in the goal mouth, where George fisted out vigorously. Steady work by the Villa proved effective enough to be dangerous to Kitchen, who repelled a sharp one from Hogg. The Villans had slowed down considerably, but all along the Evertonians strove strenuously to augment their score. Taylor nearly achieved a goal with a splendid long shot, which George judged to be a nicety. Hall then ran down unopposed and equalised.
Final result Everton 2 goals Aston Villa 2 goals.

BLACK-LANE TEMPERANCE v.  EVERTON RESERVE
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 05 March 1904
(LANCASHIRE COMBIANTION)
At Black-lane. Everton faced a strong wind, and as the ground was heavy they did not make much progress at the start. From their first attack, however, they got through, Roberts scoring from long range. The game was qual for many minutes. Black-lane played vigorously, and Lyons almost equalised, but Everton were playing the better game. Quarter-time; Everton Reserves 1, Black-lane nil. Everton scored twice more before the interval. Half-time; Everton Reserves 3 goals, Black-lane 1.
Final- Everton Reserves 10 goals, Black-Lane 1 goal.

EVERTON 2 ASTON VILLA 2
March 7 1904. The Liverpool Courier
The only game of any importantance in the Liverpool district on Saturday was at Goodison park, and that was only a friendly between Everton and Aston Villa. There was only a meagre attendance at the start, nor more than 2,000 spectators being present. The teams were: - Everton: - Kitchen, goal, Gordon and Crelly, backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs Sharp, Taylor, Young, McDermott, and Rankin forwards. Aston Villa: - George, goal, Noon, and Miles backs, Wilkes, Wood, and Leake, half-backs, Clarke, Hall, Watkins, Matthews, and Lockett, forwards.
Everton kicked off, and play opened quietly, but nice passing between Young and McDermott gave the former a grand chance of scoring, but the centre's final shot was weak. Everton, who had commenced with ten players. Were now joined by Taylor, the absentee from the advertised side being Hardman. The Everton goal was subjected to considerable pressure, but the defence prevailed, Rankin carried the ball down, and centring cleverly Young called upon George, who saved all the expense of a corner. This was well placed by Rankin, and McDermott tipping the ball forward, Young dashed in and scored. The Villa quickly retaliated, and succeeded in obtaining an equalising point Kitchen in clearing from Lockett slipped, and only placed the ball a few yards away, with the result that Watkins easily placed the leather in the net, Kitchen fisted away from Clarke and from Watkin's pass Lockett was offside. The Villa pressed for some time, and Kitchen made an excellent save from Watkins. Young had another attack on the Villa goal, but the attempts to capture it were by no means such as to cause the visiting defence much anxiety. Booth tried his luck with a shot from thirty yards range, only to send the ball wide of the upright. The Villa quite held their own, but it was obvious that the earnestness of a serious encounter was sadly lacking. Smart work by McDermott, Young, and Taylor resulted in the latter putting in a capital shot, which George cleared splendidly. Everton now had two or three fine chances to gain the lead. Which were thrown away, and a passage in arms between Leake, and McDermott amsued the crowd, if it did stimulate the interest in the game, while there were other incidents which were provocative of laughter. Having defended for some time the Villa attack had a look in, and Kitchen fisted out from Lockett. Following this Crelly, through fiddling with the ball, presented a nice opening to Hall, whose shot, however, was very wide of the mark. Half-time Everton 1, Villa 1.
In the second half, by which time the attendance had increased to about 4,000. Everton started off with great dash, and George successfully repelled all sorts of shots. Everton however, he was beaten by a brilliant effort on the part of Taylor. The Villa improve, but their attack was not particularly strong, and as a rule, the home defenders had little difficulty in clearing. They forced a corner from which Wood placed behind, and following the Everton again got away, their shooting, however, being faulty. There was more “friendly” football, and the spectators were amused at any rate, Everton forced three successive corners without anything tangible, and then the Villa coming away Hall sent the wrong side of the upright. Play ruled pretty even, and there were cries of “play up” Taylor responding to the invitation by banging in a stinging shot, which smartly cleared, Hall equalising for the Villa, who had the best of the game to the finish. Final result Everton 2, Villa 2.

BLACK LANE TEMERANCE 1 EVERTON RESERVES 10
March 7, 1904. The Liverpool Courier
Lancahire Combination “A” Division.
No details in local papers.
Everton: - Whitley goal, Wildman, and Murray, backs, Clayton, Chadwick, and Makepeace, half-backs, Dilly, Sheridan, Roberts, O'Hagan, and Simpson, forwards.

A VERY FRIENDLY GAME
Athletic News - Monday 07 March 1904
By Junius
The Goodison Park enclosure was the scene of an amicable encounter between Everton and Aston Villa and it was little wonder that only 3,000 people put in an appearance.  Friendly matches are doomed in this city.  Young scored for Everton after about ten minutes play, but Watkins equalized before the interval.  In the second half Taylor secured another goal, but Hall easily made the score equal after a weak save by Kitchen and though the home goal had a wonderful escape, relieved by a smart bit of work on the part of Wolstenholme, the game ended with the score two goals each.  The result was only in accord with the general character of the play.

Wattie White of Bolton Wanderers Eventually signs for Everton During the Season of 1908-09 to 1910-11

EVERTON v  ASTON VILLA
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 07 March 1904
At Goodison Park, before 4000 spectators, Everton attacked and Young scored after ten minutes. Immediately following this, Lockett raced away, and Kitchen fell in clearing the centre, which enabled Watkins to easily equalise. Nothing further was registered up to the interval. On resuming, Everton quickly became aggressive and Taylor added the second goal. Rankin and Young missed with an open goal, and straightway Hall ran clean through, easily beating Kitchen, and making matters level again. Straggling play followed. Wolstenholme effected a splendid clearance in the goal mouth whilst on the ground. Result- Everton 2, Villa 2.

SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 07 March 1904
At Goodison Park on Saturday. When meeting in the League tournament Everton and Aston Villa are always certain of commanding the attendance of at least 20,000 people. On Saturday not a quarter of that number was present, and though, the game per sec was an admirable exhibition of football it failed to kindle the faintest enthusiasm among the onlookers. The Evertonians showed capital form in every department. The forwards were speedy and clever, and the half back line maintained its high reputation. Crelly had a partner in Gordon, who has all the making of a reliable back. Though not at full strength, the Birmingham contingent gave a very creditable display, and the draw, in which the game resulted, is a very fair indication of the play.

EVERTON v  ASTON VILLA
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 07 March 1904
At Goodison Park, before 4,000 spectators. Everton attacked, and Young scored after ten minutes’ play. Immediately following this, Lockett raced away, and Kitchen fell in clearing the centre, which enabled Watkins to easily equalise. Nothing further was registered up to the interval. On resuming Everton quickly became aggressive, and Taylor added the second goal. Rankin and Young missed with an open goal, and straightaway Hall ran clean through, easily beating Kitchen and making matters level again. Straggling play followed. Wolstenholme effected a splendid clearance in the goal mouth, whilst on the ground. Result; Everton 2 goals, Aston Villa 2.

JOHN BREARLEY
Morning Leader - Wednesday 09 March 1904
The emergency half
John Brearley, who comes into the team owing to the indisposition of Tom Morris, played for Millwall three or four seasons ago when quite young, and since then has appeared in the ranks of Middlesbrough and Everton. He did more than any other player to raise Middlesbrough from the Second into the First Division of the League, and Everton paid a big price to them for his transfer. Like many other players, one season with Everton was quite enough for him, and Liverpool were busy negotiating for his transfer when the Spurs booked him. Born in Liverpool in 1876, he stands 5ft pin., and weighs 11 stone.

TEAMS ARRNAGEMENTS FOR THIS DAY
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 12 March 1904
Everton v Sunderland
League match at Sunderland.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Taylor, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and HP Hardman, forwards.
Everton Combination v Turton
Lancashire Combination match, at Goodison Park; Kick-off 3,30
Everton Combination.- Whitley, goal; Wildman and Murray, backs; E. Wildman, Chadwick, and Makepeace, half-backs; Dilly, McAdams, Roberts, O’Hagan, and Simpson, forwards.

EVERTON v SUNDERLAND
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 12 March 1904
LEAGUE DIVISION 1
EVERTON 2 GOALS DOWN AT THE INTERVAL
DEFEAT OF EVERTON
In view of the fact that the Everton team are well in the running for the League Championship honours, their meeting with Sunderland at Roker Park, today, was inverted with more than ordinary interest. The players undertook the long and tedious journey northward yesterday, and the evening was spent quietly in Sunderland. This morning the men indulged in a quiet stroll as far as the famous Roker, and as the weather was mild and fine they enjoyed to the full the invigorating between that sweeps in from the North Sea. In the match itself the encounter excited the liveliest interest, and long before the start there was a capital crowd present. The Everton ranks were somewhat changed from the last League encounter, Wolstenholme being a notable absentee. The ever-useful Taylor took his place, and Settle, after a month’s rest, reappeared, the men lining out in the following order;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Taylor, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Sunderland.- Doig, goal; Rhodes and Watson, backs; Watson, jun., Barrie, and Jackson, half-backs; Craggs, Miller, Hogg, Gemmill, and Bridgett, forwards.
Referee- Mr. F. Bye, Sheffield.
Sunderland won the toss, and Young set the ball in motion before about 12,0oo spectators. Taylor was at once conspicuous first by serving his forwards cleverly, and then, by checking a dangerous move on the part of Bridgett and Gemmill. Following upon this, the visitors moved off in fine fashion on the right, and Sharp sent in a low, swift centre; but it was intercepted by Watson. The home forwards then took up the attack, and Craggs put in a long shot, which Balmer cleared easily. After a brief spell of midfield work, the Evertonians again got going in business-like fashion, and Sharp, racing down, put the ball across to Settle, who rushed in and shot strongly; but the ball struck the crossbar and rebounded into play. This led to a series of hot onslaughts on the home goal, and it was only the soundness of Rhodes and Watson’s defence that averted disaster. Even as it was the home citadel came within an ace of falling when Booth running up, put in a low swift shot, which brought Doig to his knees. More play near the centre line supervened, but the home forwards gradually worked down towards Kitchen, and they were dangerously close when Balmer, by a fine effort, cleared his lines. Abbott then gave his forwards possession and Hardman and McDermott, taking the ball down at top speed, the inside man finished by shooting high over the bar. So far the Evertonians were having all the best of the argument, but at length the home side wakened up, and the forwards moved off in nice combined order. Booth checked temporarily, but the Wearsiders still came on, and Miller was about to shoot when he was ruled Millers was about to shoot when he was ruled offside. The Everton men once more took up the cudgels on their own behalf, and Hardman, running along the wing, centred cleverly, but Watson saved the situation at the expense of a corner. This was capitally taken and from the bully which ensued in front of Doig Sharp shot outside again. The tide of battle rolled in the direction of the Everton goal, and Craggs was perilously near Kitchen when he was baulked by the ever-watchful Taylor, and the danger was averted. This paved the way to another sustained attack on the part of the visitors, who once more moved down in unison and as a consequence Watson was forced to concede a corner. This led to a further bombardment of Doig’s charge, but with the Wearside custodian in his best form, the Evertonians were unable to defeat him. sharp, Young, and Settle all had fine openings, but they failed to profit by them, though it is only fair to say that the heavy state of the turf had rendered the ball very greasy. A change in the scene of operations was occasioned by Gemmill breaking through on his own account, but he was unable to pass Balmer, and it was not long before the visitors were once more the aggressive. The whole forward line moved down strongly, and Sharp was about to put in one of his own particulars, when he was pulled up for being offside. More midfield work ensued, and then the Sunderland forwards asserted themselves strongly. They pressed on the right, and a foul against Crelly close in gave them a further chance, Craggs shooting just outside. The Wearsiders continued to press with great vigour, and in the course of a regular melee in front of Kitchen Miller shot just wide of the mark. Again the homesters returned to the attack, and in trying to clear his lines, Crelly came to grief, and had to leave the field. Everton continued with one man short. The visitors were enormously handicapped, and the home team did not fail to take the fullest advantage of this. They swooped down in strong fashion on the right, and Miller put in a rattling good shot, which Kitchen saved in really marvellous style, the home supporters applauding his effort. At this period the game was of a very even character, neither side holding any decided advantage, for, though the Evertonians were generally in home territory, they could never make any real use of the opportunities offered, and more than once nice openings literally went begging. Hardman and Settle on one occasion put in a beautiful bit of combined work, but it was altogether spoiled by Young fumbling the pass. On the other hand the Sunderland forwards ran down on the left, and Gemmill had an excellent chance of distinguishing himself when he shot yards wide of the mark. Towards the interval Everton made desperate efforts to obtain the lead, but the Sunderland defence was really admirable, and time after time the invaders were beaten Milelr getting possession sent in a swift, low shot. Kitchen got to it, an attempted to throw clear, but there was evidently so much screw on the ball that he misjudged it, and as a consequence it rolled into the net. This success gave the home team great encouragement and from the centre line they again swooped down on the Everton goal. Balmer managed to pull them up, but it was only for a minute. Then Hogg rushed onwards again, and, passing prettily to Craggs, the latter scored a magnificent goal, the ball going right out of Kitchen’s reach. The home supporters were now in a state of great jubilation, and encouraged by loud cheers, the Wearsiders were still pressing when half-time came.
Half-time score; Sunderland 2 goals, Everton Nil.
On crossing over the game continued to be of an exciting character.
Final Result- Sunderland 2 goals, Everton Nil.
Everton made a plucky fight at Wearside last year, the result being 2-1 against them.

EVERTON v  TURTON
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 12 March 1904
Lancashire Combination.- Div A
At Goodison Park, this afternoon, in fair weather, before a moderate number of spectators. Teams;-
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Wildman and Murray, backs; E. Wildman, Chadwick and Makepeace, half-backs; Dilly, McAdams, Roberts, O’Hagan, and Simpson, forwards.
Turton.- Carney, goal; Warburton and Cannon, backs; Haworth, Walkden and Whitehead, half-backs; Tyrer, Deakin, Haworth, Brooks, and T. Warburton, forwards.
Turton kicked off, and Everton rushed the ball down the right wing, Dilly centring well to Roberts, who put in a swift low shot, which Carney saved nicely. From the goal kick, Tyrer, and Deakin, for Turton dribbled well, ending up with the latter shooting sort of the desired mark. Dilly was in grand form, and was severe times very prominent. Everton were going strong, their passing being sound. After play had been in Turton half nearly all the time, play was at last transferred to the home half, and Brooks put in a stringer for the visitors, which went too high. Subsequently Simpson ran the leather down, and dribbling well, finished up, giving Roberts a good centre; but he failed to get his shot in. shortly afterwards Dilly rushed down and shot the leather hitting the upright. Then Deakin was prominent in a good sprint for the visitors, but he was robbed of the leather by McAdam, and Conway saved a splendid shot sent in by Dilly. Then Roberts took the leather up, and eventually O’Hagan scored for the home team.
Half-time; Everton Reserve 1 goal, Turton nil.

ENGLISH CUP SEMI-FINAL
Birkenhead News - Saturday 12 March 1904
EVERTON GROUND SELECTED
After the replayed ties on Wednesday the Emergency Committee of the Football Association, fixed the semi-finals as follows;-
Manchester City v Sheffield Wednesday, at Goodison Park.
Bolton Wanderers v. Derby County, at Wolverhampton.
To be played next Saturday, March 19th. Kick-off 3.30 p.m.

OUTDOORS SPORTS
Liverpool Mercury - Saturday 12 March 1904
Everton journeyed to Sunderland yesterday for their return engagement with the Wearsiders. Wolstenholme will be an absentee as the popular right half has been ordered to Ireland as reserve for the international game at Belfast. The directors have thereby altered the team by placing Taylor as right half and McDermott and Settle as inside right and left respectively. Sunderland will likewise be without one of their usual forwards, Buckle, who is assisting Ireland, and thus the sides will face each other on an equality a regards representation. Recognising the fact that they are not yet out of the running for the championship, Everton mean to make a great effort to win, and should they succeed they will certainly stand a god chance of securing final honours, for most of their remaining League fixtures are at home. Sunderland usually manage to account for Liverpool teams when at Roker and taking every issue into consideration it seems fair to predict a drawn game. Everton were beaten at Goodison Park earlier this season by a goal to nil, and this may have some influence in inciting the men on to obtaining a  reversal of this verdict.
Sheridan (inside right) of Everton playing for Ireland against England at Belfast today.
Sunderland v Everton.
Referee T. Armitt, H. Rawlinson and TE Thompson.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Taylor, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and HP Hardman, forwards. Reserve, B. Rankin.
Everton reserve v Turton, at Goodison Park
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Wildman and Murray, backs; E. Wildman, Chadwick, and Makepeace, half-backs; Dilly, McAdams, Roberts, O’Hagan, and Simpson, forwards.
Kick-off 3.30 p.m.

SUNDERLAND AGAIN BEAT EVERTON
Athletic News - Monday 14 March 1904
By Tom Tiddler
Glorious weather favoured the meeting of Sunderland and Everton at Roker Park on Saturday, and the 13,000 spectators saw the Wearsiders victorious by two goals to nothing.  There were several changes on both sides from their previous League contests.  Sunderland were compelled to make a couple owing to Farquhar being on the injured list-his first miss of the season, Buckle was away assisting his country against that of his adoption; Fullarton and Bertram were dropped, and Barrie and Jackson returned to their places in the half-back line.  Watson, jun., so called to distinguish him from the back, appeared at right half, and this was his first league match at Roker.  Bridgett filled the vacancy at outside left, and Miller was brought into the team again, partnering Craggs.  Everton had to take the field without Wolstenholme, who was on internationally engaged, and Taylor took his place.  In the forward line McDermott filled the opening caused by the moving of Taylor, and on the other wing Settle displaced Rankin.
DEFENCES BUSY
The contest opened in brisk fashion, each defence being called into action early on.  The visiting forwards soon dropped into a nice style of footwork, and receiving excellent support from the middle line, the home defence came in for some heavy pressure.  For fully twenty minutes Everton more than held their own despite the efforts of the home men to break through.  Then Sunderland had a brief turn, and during a hot struggle right on the threshold of the visitors’ goal Crelley had to retire for repairs.  He soon reappeared, and it was pleasing to note that the spectators did not forget to give him a welcome.  The fortunes of the game again veered round to the Lancashirians, and up to five minutes of the interval things were gloomy indeed, from a Sunderland point of view.  Then a remarkable change took place.  The home forwards broke away, and Miller, from a distance of several yards, sent in which appeared to be a very simple shot.  Kitchen got the ball in his hands and held it for a second or so, and then dropped it into the net, thus opening the score.  Barely had the crowd recovered from their astonishment when the forwards came away again, and Hogg passing back to Craggs, who was claimed, but the referee had no doubt about the matter, and Sunderland crossed over leading by two to nothing.  Straightaway on the resumption Everton attacked and Doig had to go full length to clear from Settle.  Shortly afterwards Watson went off the field hurt, but returned in a few minutes.  For fully half an hour both teams went as hard as they could, Sunderland, by their rushing tactics, being much more the aggressive side.  The Evertonians were not able to get in many of their clever touches, nevertheless they were frequently very dangerous and, indeed, it was due to superb goalkeeping at both ends that there was no further score.  Play showed considerably in the closing stages, and a blank second half left the Wearsiders winners of the points.
A LUCKY TEAM
Sunderland must be accounted a lucky team to lead by two to nothing at the interval, as they were clearly overmatched quite four-fifths of that period.  Five minutes from the interval Sunderland’s prospects were anything but bright and no one would have been surprised if they had been in arrears when the cross over took place.  Then the flash in the pan occurred, and the game was won.  Still, in the second half Sunderland were the smarter side.  They slung the ball about with greater freedom and were quicker at following up than their opponents and only the latter’s fine defence saved them from a heavier beating.  On the whole however, there was not more than a goal between them.  The Everton team was quite as good as one would expect from their position in the table.  In Kitchen they have a very fine custodian, for he saved many better shots than those that beat him. Both backs were good, more particularly Balmer, whilst the middle men played the right sort of game, Booth being the shining light.  The forward line was distinctly good, and displayed sound football. Sharp and Hardman were speedy and clever and they received valuable support from their partners, while Young kept both wings going admirably.  On the home side Doig gave one of his best Roker exhibitions of the season.  Rhodes was the better all-round back, although Watson played well.  The middle men were not so effective as usual, and were unable until the second half to give the forwards much assistance.  The right-wing pair were the best, Miller playing a fine game, his shooting being superior to any of the others.  Hogg was too well watched, yet he brought off some very serviceable runs.  Bridgett was disappointing, and neither he nor Gemmill were very prominent.  Still we must not overlook the fact that Sunderland were meeting one of the best teams in the League.  Sunderland; Doig; Rhodes, and Watson; Watson (jun), Barrie, and Jackson; Craggs, Miller, Hogg, Gemmill, and Bridgett.  Referee; Fred Sheffield.  Everton; Kitchen; Balmer, and Crelley; Taylor, Booth, and Abbott; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and H.P. Hardman.  Referee; Fred Bye, Sheffield. 

Jack Hillman an Ex Everton Player who played for the Toffees Between the Seasons 1894/95 to 1895/96

NORTH END RESERVES V EVERTON RESERVE
March 14, 1904. The Lancashire Evening Post
wretched weather prevailed at Deepdale thisn afternoon, when the leaders of the Combination opposed North End. It had been expected that Lyon would again be given a trial at full back, but unfortunately the former had to stand down through a slight injury to his ankle, with the result that a rearrngement because necessary. Everton were strongly represented, including Sheridan, who on Saturday appeared against England in the international at belfast. teams; North End Reserves; Taylor, goal; Warnr and Dobson, backs; Tickle, Rowe, and Ted, half-backs; Maher, Edmonds, McKie, Newman, and Danson, forwards. Everton; Whitley, goal; Gordon and R. Balmer, backs; Chadwick, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs; Rankin, Sherdian, Roberts, O'Hagan, and Dilly, forwards. The ground was fearfully heavy and rain was falling when McKie kicked off towards the town goal. The Prestonians were at first placed on th defensive, but Warner and Rowe were prominent, and the homesters were quickly pressing the Blues and Whites, Maber put in a magnificent centre, from which the goal was seriously threatened Chadwick eventually coming to the rescue. Everton retaliated and Dilly on the left wing did capital work, and swung the ball right across the front of the goal. Rankin failed to avail himself of a promising opening, and subsequently Dilly after a first run shout outside. A spirited effort by Maher and Edmonds came to nothing owing to the former's handing on the ball rather too long. Considering the heavy ground the pace was excellent, and the play full incident. Warner twice headed out of the goalmouth, from centres by Rankin and Taylor easily picked up a soft shot from Roberts, Mckie put in several clever hits of play, but was inclined to be selfish, Taylor got a long shot from the visiting right and cleared in clean style. Warmer took a free kick 15 yards inside the Everton half, and his shot for goal was strong and not far off the target. The game was slightly in favour of the visitors but in a while the North Enders got away dangerous and following smart work by Ted and Rowe, the left wing got well down, and Danson sent only just over with a grand shot. At the other end Taylor effetced another smart save, and then Newman was robbed when in a good position. The Preston forwads were exceedingly clever, but played rather too close a game. A long shot by Rowe was saved at the cost of a corner, and a drive by Warner for a free kick was within a very short space of goal. As half time approached North End had the better share of the play, and Balmer was several times prominent with strong kicks. Rowe, , Mckie, and Edmonds won a corner, and from this a second flag kick resulted. This was cleared, but Rowe placed the home forwards on the attack again. A nasty foul on Meber by Makepeace brought a free kick from which Whitley cleared.
Half-time; Preston North End Res 0, Everton Res 0
Rain was still falling smartly when play was resumed. A run by newman and Danson brought a swift shot from the latter, this leading to a couple of unproductive corners. There was far too much dribbling by both sides, and it was some time before Chadwick brought danger with a long shot, which however, went over. A spint by Maher was followed by a capital centre, and North End were having the advantage, though unfortunately McKie did not pass to the outside wing man. Rowe and Ted were prominent for hard work, but on one occasion Roberts broke away in capital style only to finish with a very weak shot. The pace began to tell, and the game became even. Both goalkeepers were called upon and proved perfectly safe. Rowe worked like a nigger at centre half, but in the later stages Everton took up the attack, and Taylor saved in first rate style from Gordon. He had no chance, however, withn a swift drive by Dilly, who scored the first goal with only 10 minutes to play. The Prestonians pressed vigorously, and penned their opponents in but they could not equalise, and were unluckily beaten. Result; Everton reserves 1, Preston North End Reserve 0.

SUNDERLAND 2 EVERTON 0
March 14, 1904. The Liverpool Courier
Everton twice hit, crossbar, before Sunderland score
The Everton team journeyed north on Friday, in order to fulfil their fixture with Sunderland on the following day. Wolstenholme was an absentee to attend Belfast for the Internation (Reserve). Taylor took his place at right half, and Settle reappeared among the forwards. The weather was fine, and the teams faced as follows: - Everton: - Kitchen goal, W.Balmer, and Crelly, backs Taylor, Booth (captain) and Abbott half-backs, Sharp McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards. Sunderland: - Doig, goal Rhodes, and Watson, backs Watson jun, Barrie, and Jackson, half-backs, Craggs, Miller, Hogg, Gemmill, and Bridgett, forwards. Referee T.Armitt Young opened the play for Everton. Almost immediately the home left got away, and following a fine centre by Bridgett, Hogg looked like getting through, when Sharp raced back, and cleverly took the ball from his toe. Following upon another attack by the home forwards the Everton line fairly took up the running, but the greatest of ill-luck attended their efforts. Sharp was going strongly when he was pulled up vigorously within the penalty area, but nothing came of the appeal, and a moment later Settle worked his way through, a fine rising shot from him rebounding from the crossbar. A moment later Rhodes missed his kick in the goal mouth, but was covered, and Young put over the bar. Another race down ended in Settle making a fine effort to score, and this was immediately followed by a shot from Sharp, who shaved the upright. Play was not particularly brisks, and on one occasion Craggs put in a brilliant run, and centre. Fortunately for Everton, Taylor managed after a second attempt to intercept his pass to Bridgett who lay in a favourable position for scoring. Getting away again, McDermott forced a corner, which Sharp well placed and there followed a stiff bully in front of goal. Booth headed against the crossbar, and Doig rushing out, cleared, but relief was only temporary, for the Evertonians again returned to the attack. As can be gauged, the visitors were having all the better of the game, and shot often, but the players legs were more by good luck than management in the way, while Doig negotiated several good shots. By some smart combination, the Wearsiders forwards now bore down strongly and, showing to better advantage, they caused much anxiously to the Everton backs, and on two occasions Taylor kept out Gemmill and Bridgett. A stiff scrimmage ensued in front of Kitchen, who with quite a dozen other's eventually were on the ground, and the ball becoming loose, Bridgett put outside. During the melee Crelly had received an injury and left the field. Booth falling back into his position. The next item was a run down by Sharp, and McDermott forced a corner, but this came to nothing. And in a trice operations were at the other end, where Craggs and Miller were prominent. On the Wearsiders again returning Miller put in a magnificent shot, which, however, was quite equalised by a sterling save on the part Kitchen. Crelly now reappeared, and the Everton van moved in fine style, and Young tried a shot from a thirty-yard range, only to find Doig in readiness. A free kick against Taylor gave the Wearsiders a good opening, and Miller shot in. kitchen caught the ball, and on attempting to throw it out he appeared to slip slightly, and threw the ball into the net. This was a grit to the home lot, who on the play thus far did not deserve to lead, but play was scarcely going again than Hogg put across tom Craggs, and the latter gave no chance to Kitchen. Half-time Sunderland 2, Everton nil.
On resuming Everton attacked, Doig gaving from Settle. Sunderland smartly retaliated, and Hogg and Miller severely tested Kitchen, seven minutes after crossing over Watson, the back, retired hurt. Everton forced a corner, but were driven back, and Kitchen saved from Craggs. Watson returned, and the game grew fast. Play was fairly even for a while. Then Sunderland attacked hotly, but Kitchen exhibited magnificent form. Play quitetened down in the closing stages. Result Sunderland 2, Everton nil.

EVERTON RESERVES 2 TURTON 0
March 14, 1904. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire Combination “A” Division (Game 23)
No details.
Everton: - Whitley goal, W. Wildman, and Murray, backs, E.Wildman, Chadwick, and Makepeace, half-backs, Dilly, McAdams, Roberts, Simpson, and O'Hagan, forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
March 14, 1904. The Liverpool Mercury
For the second time this season, Everton lost a couple of points to their old and respected opponents Sunderland. When the Wearsiders appeared at Goodison Park on the 14 November, they fully deserved their win of a goal to nothing. This however, can hardly be said about Saturday's fixture, which on paper was even more decisively in Sunderland's favour, seeing that the adverse margins was two goals to nil. The score itself would suggest that the Evertonians were completely outplayed, but for once the result of the game by no means truly reflects the varying fortunes of the side. Indeed, so clever, and determined was the attack of Everton, that it would not have been at all suprising had the visiting team credited themselves with even as many as half a dozen goals. Rank bad luck, however, attended numerous fine efforts, which, under ordinary circumstances might easily have defeated so experienced and resourceful a custodian as Doig. Time after time the ball was sent in with remarkable precision and yet so perverse was Dame Fortune that the leather either struck the cross bar or the upright, or was only inches wide of the desire haven. The ground was distinctly on the heavy side and after the game had only been in progress a few minutes it was badly cut up in place these conditions naturally having a somewhat serious effect upon Everton's style of play. Still although the Evertonians could do everything but score, they gave a very creditable exhibition of football which the most partisans Sunderland spectators could not help admiring. Quite naturally the northern crowd were delighted with the success which their team obtained during the last few minutes of the first half. On the play the goals were not deserved, but from a Sunderland point of view the great fact was that they were forthcoming. The first point accured owing to a slip on the part of Kitchen, who otherwise, throughout the 90 minutes kept a really splendid goal. With the second that Cragg secured the Everton custodian had no possible chance. During the second half, Everton's superiority and tactics were not so pronounced as in the earlier portion of the proceedings. Towards the finish both teams slackened considerably, but before this period, when Everton's defeat seemed assured, there were many interesting episodes, and both custodians were tested with stinging shots. The visitors, however, had no better luck than they had previously experienced, and the outcome of their visit to the north was the loss of a couple of points and whatever chance Everton might have had of achieving championship honours. In consequence of Wolstenholme being requisitioned as one of England's reserves at Belfast, Taylor figured in the half-back line, and the usefulness of the veteran was given evidenced by the earnest and energetic manner, in which he dealt with the smart Sunderland left wing, although it was owing to a free kick against him that Sunderland were enabled to open their account. Settle, after an absence from the football field on account of injury, took up his old position as inside left, and was probably about the best forward on the field. With even a modicum of luck, he should have scored at least a couple of goals, but the misfortune which dogged the footsteps of the whole team applied in greater measure to Settle than any to any member of the side.

THE ENGLISH IN IRELAND
Athletic News - Monday 14 March 1904
THE PREDOMINANT PARTNER PREVAILS
By Tityrus
The Irishman is proverbially buoyant, and no matter what his experiences may have been during the last 23 years he never seems to lose sight of the ambition that someday he will master the dominant race at the manly pastime of Association football. as surely as the spring draws nigh he nurses his sanguine idea. This is usually dispelled before the annual match between the two countries has been long in progress, but in a few days his temporary depression passes away, and he looks forwards to the next struggle twelve months hence. When the post said that “hope springs eternal in the human breast” he surely was thinking of Irishmen. The customary encounter for this year between England and Ireland was played on Saturday upon the ground of the Cliftonville Club. The Irish Association had carefully chosen their eleven, and had largely availed themselves of the services of Irish-born players associated with English clubs. The selectors had seen how Scotland had benefited by the assistance of professionals with similar experience, but the issue was quite in accord with tradition. The hated Sassenach was the conqueror by 3-1 and I have no hesitation in saying that the sons of Erin had not very much beyond their pluck and perseverance to recommend them. Such an ending to all their plans and desires must be disappointing to the Irish executive, but they are not easily daunted as already intimated. The Football Association only made two changes in their team which faced Wales at Wrexham. Vivian Woodward superseded Arthur Brown, of Sheffield United, as centre forward, and Alec Leake, of Aston Villa, came into the half-back line in place of Lee, of Southampton, while the formation of the middlemen was exactly the same as in the North v South match at Woolwich. The players with Bloomer, of Derby County, and Wolstenholme, of Everton, the reserves, crossed from Fleetwood on Thursday night, and none of them could complain of any dirty work on the part of Father Neptune. During this winter he has never been in so quiescent a mood. Once on “terra cotta” again, as Mrs. Partington observed, the players and the party travelled to the Slieve Donald Hotel, Newcastle, co. Down. As customary on the occasion of the Irish trip, Mr. R. P. Gregson, of Blackburn, personally conducted the tour, and the other members of the Selection Committee present were Mr. G. S. Sherrington, Mr. C.J. Hughes, Mr. J.J. Bentley, and Mr. Harry Walker, while Mr. Morgan Roberts, the linesman and a member of the Council of the Association,  Mr. Arthur Bertwistle,  of Blackburn, Mr. Bainbridge of Everton, and Mr. T.E. Maley, of Manchester City, were among the voyagers. The weather at Newcastle was simply delightful, and snow-capped Slieve Donard, the highest peak of the Mourne Mountains, glistered in the bright sun which came to temper the keen wind. Leaving this peaceful spot on Dundrum Bay, the conditions on Saturday at Belfast were simply perfect for football. There was not enough breeze to make the flag stand out straight from the staff, but it was a nipping and an eager air. The turf was firm and fast without being hard. If a man could not play football under such circumstances then it is difficult to imagine him being successful at any time. With the promise of good sport and fine weather it is small wonder there were 16,000 spectators, about £759 being taken at the gates, while about £100 was realised by the sale of tickets beforehand. The Englishmen were cordially received, but cheers were reserved for the Irish eleven in their Royal blue, the old national colour of the country.
IRELAND VANQUISHED IN FIFTEEN MINUTES
The spin of the coin favoured Crompton, but there was not much advantage in the choice of position. The Irishmen dashed off from the mark by the aid of their left wing
pair, but Brawn was soon travelling in the contrary direction. When he centred Bache shot, and Scott rather unnecessarily gave a corner kick which was unproductive, as Ruddlesdin lofted over the bar. The same tactics were repeated with exactly the same results, for when Connor gave to Kirwan transferred to Buckle, who boded danger when Crompton intervened. England retaliated, and both Irish backs being guilty of hesitation, Common presented with an opportunity, but he followed the example of Ruddlesdin. The home team were persistent if rather wild, and Leake, in his desperate anxiety to prevent a corner kick, really put Mercer in possession. Buckle fastened on to the centre and whizzed the ball in, but Baddeley was in the right place. The visitors retaliated, Common by a nice touch, opening out the game. The defence collapsed like a concertina when it is placed upon the table, and Bache nipping between the backs found himself with only Scott to beat. With most careful deliberation he gently urged the ball net-wards. I thought he had missed the mark, but the ball grazed the base of the post and rolled over the line just where it was wanted. There was nothing thrilling about such a goal at the end of ten minutes, but it was grateful and comforting.  The visitors were all too powerful for the Irish guards, and three minutes after the first goal Common shot a second, mainly because Woodward was so unselfish as to stand by his side and let him have the ball,  With England two up so soon, much of the interest in the match evaporated from a spectators’ point of view but the Irish eleven were always persistent. Sheridan made a division, and enabled Connor to bear down on goal. He shot, and  Baddeley rushing forward caught the ball, but while he was in possession Connor was charging the English custodian when Crompton came in between, so  to speak, and brought his weight to bear on the Brentford centre. Referee Robertson blew his whistle, and the play ceased, the Irishmen claim vigorously for a penalty-kick. But the official awarded an ordinary free kick inside the penalty area, but the why and the wherefore of this were not apparent, Archie made two strong attempts to force a passage for the ball, but the English broke away, and Scott was quite dilatory clearing a centre; so much so that Woodward might easily have scored. Ireland had rather a large share of the play, but some of the combination tactics of the visitors were very dazzling. For instance, there was a movement when Bache tipped the leather to Davis, who turned it back to Leake. The half-back passed to Woodward, and the centre swung the ball out to Brawn, who ahead, but could win nothing more tangible than a corner. This was often the case with the English attack.  It was not consummated for directly after Davis put Bache in a scoring position, but the opportunity was neglected. The Irish backs had not hitherto inspired their side with confidence, but they improved. McCracken obtaining a better length, while Boyle in rapid succession robbed both Common and Boyle when they were hard by goal. The Hibernians were led by Mercer and forced three corners, but the defence prevailed, and the scene of operations changing Common made a long volley ahead.  As Boyle failed to return Brawn had a clear course, but so poor was his final effort that the Irish must have felt relieved when they saw the ball rolling harmlessly. Again McCracken in an endeavour to clear his lines kicked quite square to Bache, who, was placed for scoring, but his shot rose over the angle the crossbar and the post; an excellent if unsuccessful attempt. Again we had an illustration of the co-relation of the English vanguard, for Ruddlesdin transferred to Common, who turned the ball over to Woodward. Thence it came to Bache who struggled to dribble through the opposition  but Boyle relieved, whereas had Bache passed to Davis, who was on side and clear, one might have had another tale to tell. So at half-time the visitors were two goals ahead.
AN EXEERCISE CANTER FOR ENGLAND  
The home eleven were very spirited on resuming, both Buckle and Mercer giving much trouble. Once Mercer got away when he certainly looked offside. So energetic was he that Crompton gave a corner kick, and although Ruddlesdin headed out, the danger was not removed. On the contrary, the Irishman stayed in English quarters, and Sheridan passing to the left wing, Kirwan hooked the ball over his head and into goal. Baddeley jumped up to intercept the shot, but he was late and quite beaten. Thus at the end of three minutes the Hibernians had distinctly improved their position, and the goal was greeted with rousing cheers. such an outburst was excusable, remembering that Ireland had not scored against England for five years, their last goals being notched at Sunderland in 1899. This of course encouraged the Irishmen to still greater exertions, but the Englishmen were far the better side. Woodward tried desperately to steer a course for goal, and when a corner ensued he headed in for Scott to save his charge, but another movement by the Englishmen placed the issue beyond reasonable doubt, for Brawn, getting away, centred square to the left wing. Bache dribbled and returned to the centre, when Common made his effort, and the ball hitting the underside of the bar, dropped within the netting. Thus England led by 3-1 after 19 minutes’ work in the second half. This last point enabled England to take matters quite easily, and I recall a remark of a spectator near me. He said;- “These fellows are only practising,” and I mention the observation with the idea of showing the effect of the exhibition on the mind of the average onlooker. Over and over again Woodward was to the fore opening up the game by his clever dribbles and smart passes. Once he experienced exceedingly hard luck, as on the run he made a grand drive which shivered the bar, and Scott ran forward to clear from the rebound. And again Woodward, accepting a pass by Davis sprinted off for goal, but McCracken brought him down without ceremony and caused Woodward to hold his distracted globe for a while. The Irishman attacked once more, and Baddeley, being drawn out to his right, intercepted the ball, and, finding it difficult to dispose of, turning to the right and left without, so far as I could see, making any ground. But the referee gave a free kick against him for carrying, when Goodall lobbed the ball into the net. The spectators raised cheers quite prematurely, for this is not one of the offences from which a goal can be scored directly. England were away once again, and Bache sent in a splendid shot; as good as Woodward’s drive which struck the bar. But this time Scott barred the way, as he did again to both Bache and Woodward. So the match ended.
THE CHARACTER OF THE GAME
I cannot say that I was particularly thrilled by the exhibition, for it was not nearly so interesting to watch as that at Wolverhampton last season. No period of Saturday’s match ever approached the standard of skill or engendered the excitement in the first half at The Molineux twelve months ago. Possibly the English eleven this season are stronger than that of a year ago, but the Irishmen were trumpetings about the Anglo-Hibernians. At times the Englishmen proved that they possessed the happy gift of combination, and, as I have already hinted, some of their movements were perfect in their conception and in their execution up to a point, but the finishing work was too often unsatisfactory. The pace was good, but something more than mere speed is necessary for good football. concerning the Englishmen individually, it may seem strange to say so, but the forwards were the least satisfactory section, Brawn could not complain of the number of chances that were given him, but he did not play in whole-hearted fashion, and his tame centres and still more feeble shots suggested to me that he either played much above his form at Woolwich or that the opposition to him was useless. Bache is exceedingly tricky, but his marksmanship was generally at fault. His best effort came right at the close, and far more deserved a goal than that which rebounded into the net at the first attempt. Moreover, Bache is apt to hold the ball too long, as he seems to have a passion for dribbling, while it was very rare indeed that he plied any of his comrades save Davis. Bache would increase his effectiveness by following the tactics of Common in occasionally slipping the ball up the centre on the ground for Woodward to flash out for in his own style. There is no denying that Common is a tremendous worker, but the plodding persistency of a strong fellow is the only advantage he can claim over Bloomer, who has a sharper method, and is a far finer shot than any forwards who was playing, and still I have much admiration for Common, who never spares himself for either the forward or half-back line. The more one sees of Woodward the more one appreciates the fearlessness and the earnestness of this frail young gentleman, who is undoubtedly the best centre in England. His thrustfulness, his dribbling power, his passing to either the inside or the extreme wing men, his fine shooting, and his unselfishness all stamp him as a player of great parts. The Irishmen did not spare him, and on one occasion when he was brought to grass in the second half quite near to the posts it struck me that the limits of legitimate play had been exceeded, while McCracken gave him a heavy shaking-up. But Woodward, despite the fact that he is only just over ten stones, and has no time for any training of a systematic character takes more hard knocks than many a professional, and never so much as protests. The Derby County man, Davis, showed that he can centre well, and he is a forward above the average. It must be difficult to discriminate between Davis and John Cox at his best, but I should not be surprised if the former kept this position. Crawshaw was good and bad in turn. Some of his interventions as a breaker-up were masterly, but on the other hand he made several mistakes, and I should like to point out that with such a centre as Woodward in front of him it is essential for the Sheffielder to pass the ball along the turf and not up in the air. Woodward is not great in taking the leather with his head and initiating an attack. The most untiring of the middlemen was undoubtedly Leake, who played a wonderful game. On the other wing Ruddlesdin was often very effective, although he was troubled by an injury to a thumb in the first few minutes of the game, but it struck me that Frost would make a good counter-part to Leake. The honours at back were carried off by Herbert Burgess, for the pocket Hercules was in splendid trim and did his powers full justice. Over and over again he emerged from a duel with the ball at his toe, and then he was a prominent figure, while he schemed to place to the best advantage. I honestly believe that towards the close Burgess could have made a very fair attempt to score a goal, as he  came through nearly up to the forwards. He plays a clean, sound, strong tackling game, and can obtain a length with here one there one. Crompton was useful over and over again, but judged by his own standard, say against Scotland at Sheffield or at Birmingham the year before, he did not seen at his best. And yet it would be a hard task to discover a better right back. Save that he ought to have prevented the goal scored by Ireland, Baddley was in form.
HIBERNIAN HINTS AND IMPRESSIONS
The Irish forwards as a body were a mere kick-and-rush lot. They might have had ideas of combination, but they had no notion of blending into a harmonious whole. The men did their best, but it was a mistake to select such a set and imagine that they could be successful. In the first place Kirwan and Buckle are both outside left men, and the experiment of placing the Tottenham Hotspur celebrity inside was a complete failure. They changed places, but reverted to the old order. Kirwan did score, but it was as much by good luck as good management, and Buckle made one fine effort to add a second goal; but that6 is all I can say for the pair. Connor did not impress me favourably, but I understand that he was the victim of a nasty kick. I never saw Sheridan play so poor a game, and his weakness handicapped Mercer. It is high time the selectors looked about for some new blood to introduce at half-back. Considering his years-whatever they may be- Goodall did good work with the ball when he got it, but the half-back on his side was Maginnes, who was highly tried by a man like Common. The tower of strength in defence was McCracken. The Distillery back took some time to settle down at the commencement of the match, but once he had gauged his foes he was a fine tackler and a kicker of a splendid length, with an easy loose lunge of the right leg. In goal Scott is very agile and appears reliable, but I do not like those one handed punches of his. They always seem to court trouble.
England.- Baddley (Wolverhampton Wanderers), goal; Crompton (captain) (Blackburn Rovers), and Burgess (Manchester City), backs; Ruddlesdin (Sheffield Wednesday), Crawshaw (Sheffield Wednesday), and Leake (Aston Villa), half-backs; Brawn (Aston Villa), Common (Sheffield United), V.J. Woodward (Tottenham Hotspur), Bache (Aston Villa), and Davis (Derby County), forwards.
Ireland.- Scott (Linfield), goal; McCracken (Distillery) and Boyle (Sheffield United), backs; Milne (Linfield), Goodall (captain) (Glossop), and Maginnes (Linfield), half-backs; Mercer (Derby County), Sheridan (Everton), Connor (Fulham), Kirwan (Tottenham Hotspur), and Buckle (Sunderland), forwards. Referee; Tom Robertson, Glasgow.

EVERTON RESERVE DEFEAT TURTON.
Athletic News - Monday 14 March 1904
Quite a big crowd congregated on the Everton enclosure to welcome the Turton eleven, and the leaders won by two clear goals. O'Hagan opened the scoring, this being the half-time figure, and in the second moiety Roberts put on a second. Turton were kept mainly on the defensive throughout, and the splendid work of Carney, in goal, coupled with the fine defence of W. Warburton and Cannon, kept down the score to very low margin. Everton attacked persistently throughout, and the most prominent figures in the forward line were O’Hagan and Roberts, the former again displaying capital form. At half Makepeace was the pick, and further behind Murray played a good game a full back. But the home defence was not very keenly tested, and Whitley was requisitioned. As already ' stated, the Turton defence was really excellent. Carney giving one of the best exhibitions of custodianship seen on the ground this season. The full backs kicked and tackled grandly, and seldom made a mistake.

SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 14 March 1904
Everton were distinctly unlucky in dropping a couple of points at Roker Park on Saturday. The result of the game, which ended in the defeat of Everton by 2 goals to nil, was by no means an adequate indication of the proceedings. During the first half especially Everton’s superiority in midfield was most pronounced. At the same time Sunderland utilised the only two chances which came their way, and practically made their position secure by scoring two goals in the brief space of three or four minutes. Kitchen was to blame to some extent for the first point which Sunderland secured of a capital effort by Hogg and Craggs-he had no chance whatever of saving his charge. Apart from his initial mistake Kitchen gave a really splendid exhibition for, although he was not tested on many occasions, whenever the Sunderland forwards did shoot they imparted to their efforts a degree of accuracy which might easily have been the means of securing the discomfiture of a less capable custodian than Kitchen. By their defeat on Saturday Everton have practically thrown away whatever chance they might have possessed of figuring at the head of the League table. The defeat too, was all the more galling inasmuch as when the Wearsiders appeared at Goodison Park in November last they somewhat unexpectedly vanquished the Evertonians by a goal to nil. Although Everton lost by two goals to nothing they still have the satisfaction of knowing that with ordinary luck the result might easily have been reversed. Much of the failure was due to the ineffectiveness of the visitors’ attack in front of goal. The heavy ground and the greasy ball had no doubt in respect of many shots which were directed towards the old Scottish international, Doig, whop still displays the resourcefulness and judgement which years ago placed him in the foremost rank of Association goalkeepers. For once in a way the Everton half back line had to be disturbed. Wolstenholme was doing duty as a reserve for the English team which met Ireland at Belfast. The consequence was that Taylor who is always prepared to fill any emergency that arises appeared at right half-back and well did reperform the task of combating the tricky and clever Sunderland left wing. Settle, too came into the team again after an absence of some weeks, and probably he suffered more than his comrades in the front line through the vagaries of fortune which overwhelmed Everton and led to a defeat which was on the play, certainly not deserved.

SUNDERLAND v  EVERTON
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 14 March 1904
At Roker Park, before about 12,000 spectators. From the previous week there were alterations in the Sunderland team. Miller playing instead of Buckle and Watson, jun., taking Farquhar’s place. Everton started the game, and for the first 30 minutes had most of the play, the Sunderland defence being severely tested. As the interval approached the homesters pressed. Half-time-Sunderland 2, Everton nil.
Play during the second half was more even, Sunderland having the most of the play. At times Everton pressed very resolutely, causing Doig, Rhodes, and Wilson plenty of work, but they defended brilliantly. Balmer played a fine game for Everton, and Kitchen saved several shots. As the end approached Sunderland were more aggressive, Bridgett, Craggs, and Hogg being conspicuous. Result; Sunderland 2 Everton 0
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Taylor, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Sunderland.- Doig, goal; Rhodes and Watson, backs; Watson jun., Barrie, and Jackson, half-backs; Craggs, Miller, Hogg, Gemmill, and Bridgett, forwards.
Referee.- Mr. F. Bye, Sheffield.

PRESTON NORTH END RESERVES 0 EVERTON RESERVES 1
March 15, 1904. The Liverpool Mercury.
Lancashire Combination “A” Division
At Deepdale in miserable weather, before 500 spectators. Despite the sloppy ground, the game was fast and full of incident. Eight minutes from time, Dilly scored for Everton with an unstoppable shot.

RICHARD MOLYNEUX
Football  Chat and Athletic World - Tuesday 15 March 1904
Brentford, where Richard Molyneux holds sway? The old Everton manager has great ideals in his head, and he is a past master in the craft of football engineering. Will he work the oracles and place the “Bees” on the top of the poll?
JACK KIRWAN
Jack Kirwan came into existence at Wicklow in 1878. His first club of note was Southport, then Everton from whom the Spurs secured him 1899.
HUGHES
Born at Ruabon, Hughes began his football with Formby, then went to Everton before coming to Tottenham. Got his chance in the Spurs’ Cup winning year, and has nobly maintained his position ever since.
JOHN WATSON
John Watson, Tait’s energetic partner, was born at Dundee in 1877. Beginning to earn fame in the Scottish League. Watson was soon snapped up by Everton, but it is only since joining the Spurs that he has developed into a really great defender.

LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 15 March 1904
PRESTON NORTH END RESERVE v  EVERTON RESERVE
At Deepdale, in miserable weather, before 500 spectators. Despite the sloppy ground, the game was fast and full of incidents. Sheridan missed a rare opening before the interval, and Taylor dealt capably with a fine long shot from Rankin. Dawson shaved the Everton crossbar and McKie missed an easy opening.
Interval; Preston North End nil, Everton nil.
Resuming, Roberts shot wide when a miskick by Warner gave him a clear opening, and, despite the heavy ground, the warm pace was maintained until eight minutes from time, when Dilly scored for Everton with an unstoppable shot.
Result; Everton Reserves 1 goal, Preston North End Reserves nil.

CHARRY PARRY
Birkenhead News - Wednesday 16 March 1904
Charle Parry playing as a goalkeeper for Oswestry yesterday at Chester. (Notes only)

ROSSENDALE UNITED v. EVERTON RESERVE.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 19 March 1904
On the Rossendale ground, before a capital attendance. Everton were the first to atatck, and Arrowsmith cleared his charge finely. At the other end Rossendale pressed severely, and Ashworth missed a good chance. The same player made amends soon after by scoring a grand goal for Rossendale from a pass by Leather, and Hulmes added another from a penalty. Half-time; Rossendale 2, Everton 0. In the second half play opened tamely, but after 10 minutes O'Hara scored for the visitors at close quarters and from a penalty Hulmes scored a third goal for Rossendale. Hulmes and Roberts were sent off the field for fighing and the game was continued with ten men on each side. Result; Rossendale United 3, Everton Reserves 1

ENGLISH CUP SEMI-FINAL TODAY AT EVERTON
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 19 March 1904
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY v  MANCHESTER CITY
Though there is uncertainly as to one place in the team which Manchester city will put into the field against Sheffield Wednesday, at Everton today.
Rossendale v. Everton Combination
Lancashire Combination match, at Rossendale; Exchange Station. 12.40
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Wildman and R. Balmer, backs; Chadwick, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs; Rankin, Sheridan, Roberts, O’Hagan, and Dilly, forwards.

ROSSENDALE UNITED 3 EVERTON RESERVES 1
March 21 1904. The Liverpool Mercury
Lancashire Combination “A” Division (Game 25)
Although facing a strong wind, Rossendale gave their clever opponents a rare game, and Ashworth scored a beauty for the home team. Holmes added a second. At the interval the score was Rossendale 2 Everton 1. Final Result Rossendale 3 Everton 1( Note , Sheridan and Hulmes were suspended until the end of the season for fighting in this match on April 5 1904). Everton : - Whitley, Wildman, and R. Balmer, backs, Chadwick, Russell, and Makepeace half-backs, Rankin, Sheridan, Roberts, O'Hagan, and Dilly forwards.

Athletic News

OUTDOORS SPORTS
Liverpool Mercury - Saturday 26 March 1904
Everton are also engaged in a struggle which is of vital interest to the home eleven. Their fixture at Small Heath is bound to prove a stubborn one, for the Midlanders have displayed splendid form since the present year opened, and have only once been beaten. Should they win to-day their position in the premier league will be assure and recognising this fact, it is difficult to fancy the chances of Everton even succeeding in sharing the honours. Changes have been made from the side that lost at Sunderland, Wolstenholme reappearing, whilst Settle will once more figure as centre forward, a position which in the home games he has shown himself utterly incapable of filling creditably. Everything, indeed, points to Everton being well beaten this afternoon, and if a different verdict be recorded it will simply be another instance of the consistency of Everton’s inconsistencies.
Sheridan of Everton plays for Ireland at Dublin against Scotland to-day.
Small Heath v Everton. H. Boldison, J. Gibbs and GF Allwood.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and HP Hardman, forwards. Reserve, Young. Train leaves Lime-street Station at 10.5. Kick-off 3.30
The Lancashire Combination Division A
Everton v Oswaldtwistle Rovers, Goodison Park. Kick-off 3.30
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Wildman, and R. Balmer, backs; Clayton, Chadwick and Makepeace, half-backs; Rankin, McAdam, Roberts, O’Hagan, and Dilly, forwards.

TEAM ARRANAGEMENTS FOR THIS DAY
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 26 March 1904
Small Heath v Everton.
League match at Small Heath; train leaves Lime-street Station at 10.5. Kick-off 3.30
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and HP Hardman, forwards. Reserve, Young.
Everton Combination v Oswaldtwistle Rovers
Lancashire Combination Match, at Goodison Park. Kick-off 3.30
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Wildman, and R. Balmer, backs; Clayton, Chadwick and Makepeace, half-backs; Rankin, McAdam, Roberts, O’Hagan, and Dilly, forwards.

HEATH v  EVERTON
Sports Argus - Saturday 26 March 1904
HOME TEAM HAVE TO PUT UP WITH A DRAW
By “The Heathen”
After their successive victories over Went Bromwich Albion, Sunderland, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, Small Heath faced Everton at Coventry-road in the hopes of adding more points to their total and of avenging the 5 to 1 defeat at Goodison Park in November. Small Heath had the side which has done so well in recent matches, while Everton were as advertised The teams were-
Small Heath.-Robinson; Glover, Stokes; Beer, Wigmore, Howard; Athersmith, Green, Jones, Wilcox, Field.
Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Balmer, Crelly; Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), Abbott; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, Hardman.
Referee; Mr. H. Boldison, Stockton-on-Teea.
The home team turned out in white in order not to clash with the blue jerseys of the visitors. There were 10,000 spectators present when Everton, having lost the toss, started from the Muntz-street end on a holding ground. The Heath at once got off on the right, but Athersmith sent behind. Everton, however, were soon showing a taste of their quality, and the energetic Settle in the centre worked in and threatened danger, but eventually Glover cleared his lines. The visitors certainly opened well, and for the first few minutes were very active forward, troubling the Heath defence. It had a narrow shave on one occasion, the hall cannoning off Stokes's head outside from a warm shot by Booth. Small Heath burst away to be soon repulsed. They came again, however, and Kitchen had twice to save his charge. Everton dashed off, but were sent back. The Heath, however, could not get near goal. They continued to press, and Wilcox, boring through, looked a certain scorer when he was deliberately tripped by Crelly. Beer took the penalty kick and made no mistake, beating Kitchen fifteen minutes from the start.
Here a bank of fog began to gather, quickly over the ground, and threatened to spoil the play from the spectators point of view.  Sharp and Taylor led an incursion into the Heath territory after this reverse, but the ball was sent over the line, and Small Heath, in a downfall of rain, came on again. Athersmith held the ball instead of passing, with the result that Abbott easily robbed him, and the visitors came down on the right, and Sharp centred. Robinson was at fault in running out, leaving McDermott a chance which he quickly seized, and the teams were level pegging after twenty-five minutes. Shortly afterwards Field was badly shaken up in a charge, falling heavily. In the downpour and darkness Everton had the better of matters for a time. Small Heath reasserted themselves, but found the Everton defence very safe. After some good play by Jones, Wilcox, and Field, Athersmith dropped a dangerous one into goal, and Kitchen had to look lively to handle the ball and save. At the other end Glover cleared splendidly, and Wilcox and Field initiated a sharp attack on the Everton goal, but there was not quite the same crispness and decision in the attack that have been shown in the last few matches. The fog lifted a little, but it was still raining heavily at the interval.
Half-time —Small Heath 1 Everton 1
The rain had ceased when the teams turned out after the interval. Jones made a very feeble attempt at a shot, and Athersmith and Beer were both at fault when Everton came away. The visitors were playing the better football, but the Heath worked in again, and Wilcox headed wide, Field shooting behind a minute later. A free kick against Abbott for tripping Beer was followed by Field -who was awkwardly placed—putting behind. From another tree kick Glover had a shy, the ball going over the bar. Then Athersmith whipped in and sent in a magnificent curling shot, which kitchen, springing across the goals, just tipped away. It was the best effort of the match so far. Another promising attack by the Heath failed.  Glover pulled up the Everton left, but Sharp and Settle enabled their side to come to close quarters, the danger only being averted by McDermott sending the ball against the side of the net. Stokes was cheered for a fine clearance soon after, but the visitors continued to harass the Heath defence. Breaking away Beer pasted the ball to Field, who struck the side of the net with a stinger, and immediately afterwards Wilcox headed into Kitchen’s hands. Another term of pressure by the home side was witnessed, but a somewhat easy chance was missed.  They kept the play in the visitors' half, however, only to see Green place behind, from Athersmith’s centre. The Heath had most of the play for ten minutes and easily checked a rush by Everton. Beer, however, with a good chance shot over the bar. Coming away, Everton forced two corners, then pressed for a time, and then the Heath sailed in again. Wilcox, with a clinking shot, caused Kitchen to concede a corner. Athersmith forced another from which Green smartly headed into Kitchen’s hands. Then Wilcox, instead of centring to Jones and Green, who were waiting for the ball, shot wide of the opposite post. Nearing time the Heath again pressed, and from a free kick just outside the penalty line Kitchen punched out grandly from Wilcox whop put in another fine attempt, the next minute. A hard game, however, ended with honours even.
Result Small Heath 1, Everton 1.
GOSSIP ON THE GAME
There was a noticeable difference in the play of Small Heath as compared with the form they showed a week ago against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Perhaps the chief explanation of this is that Everton were much stronger opponents, and gave the home attack less scope. The first half, played under extraordinary conditions of fog and rain, was fairly even. Beer beat Kitchen very neatly with the penalty kick, but even with one in front the prospect was not very promising, so keenly was the game contested by the visitors. Athersmith in the first place and Robinson in the second were largely responsible for Everton’s equalising goal. The Heath ran in towards Kitchen, and Athersmith “fooled” with the ball instead of parting with it, with the result that he was beaten and as Robinson foolishly ran out to Sharp’s centre, McDermott had no difficulty in heading past. The second half was nearly all in favour of Small heath, but their attacks lacked finish, and not a few good chances were thrown away. On the play in this half the Heath ought to have won.

SMALL HEATH v  EVERTON
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 26 March 1904
LEAGUE DIVISION 1
HONOURS EVEN AT HALF-TIME
The Goodison Park brigade made an appearance at Small Heath where admittedly they had a most difficulty task on hand, seeing that the Birmingham club had only one suffered defeat since the beginning of the year. The strenuous struggle to escape relegation to the second division of the League had materially affected the play of the Heathens, and this afternoon’s fixture was anticipated as an encounter of quite exceptional interest. The Everton eleven left Liverpool at ten o’clock this morning, arriving at Birmingham shortly after twelve, and after partaking of lunch, the players drove to the Small Heath enclosure. The weather, though dull and threatening, was mild, and there was a crowd of 15,000 present when the teams turned out. As will be noticed, there was once change from the side which represented Everton last Saturday, Settle once more taking the place of Young. The home side was representative of its full strength. Prompt to time the teams lined up as follow;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and Hardman, forwards.
Small Heath.- Robinson, goal; Glover and Stokes, backs; Beer, Wigmore, and Howard, half-backs; Athersmith, Green, Jones, Wilcock, and Field, forwards.
Referee- Mr. Goldstein.
The home captain won the toss, but there was practically no advantage to be derived, as there was no wind and the ground was in fairly good order. Within a minute from the start, however, Athersmith and Green raced through the Everton halves and backs, only to find that Crelly had recovered himself in time to prevent a pass to the Heath centre. The goal kick resulted in Sharp responding equally well for the visitors, but unfortunately he was somewhat lacking in meeting the challenge by Stokes and, as a consequence, the ball ran harmlessly over the line. Play was exceptionally keen on both sides, and it was quite evident, even at this early stage that the spectators would be amply rewarded. There certainly could be no disguising the fact that the Everton half backs were bent upon playing some important part in the game, and for some little time their efforts were ably supplemented by the vanguard, of whom Taylor only just missed putting his side in a leading position, his shot passing a few inches wide of the upright. A sudden breakaway, however, placed quite a difference complexion on the game. A sudden attack was made on the Everton goal. At this period a heavy mist descended suddenly on the enclosure. The atmosphere was so ditto that it was really difficult to follow the play for a time. It was however, soon obvious that Everton were making play on the right, and Sharp put in a fine shot, which went wide. From the goal kick Field was placed in possession, and a fine effort on his part looked like bringing about a tangible result, when Blamer took the ball from his toes on the eighteen yards line. Again the Everton forwards attacked, only to find the Small heath backs a most difficult force with whom to contend. Another return, however, proved more successful for on Settle passing out to Sharp the latter went off at top speed and centred in capital fashion, downpour of rain. Nevertheless the game was continued with undiminished vigour, and it ruled greatly in favour of the visitors. A really brilliant effort by the Everton left wing ended in Hardman missing the net by inches only; and following upon this, for quite a lengthy period the Evertonians more than held their own. Stubborn and clever defence on the part of the home backs kept them out, though at the same time, there were shots from Taylor, Settle, and McDermott which only just missed their mark. Shooting at this stage of the game from an Everton point of view was prolific, but in the majority of cases efforts had perforce to be made under difficult conditions, owing to the exceedingly close attentions the home backs paid to the visiting forwards. A long spell of attack was at last broken by some exceedingly clever play on the part of Athersmith and Green, and it was from a well-judged centre by the first named player that Kitchen by racing out managed to avert disaster. The pressure was taken with serious consideration by the Everton backs, for they left nothing undone in their efforts to get rid of the ball. It was a distinct relief when Sharp raced away and forced a corner kick, which came to nothing. All this time the rain was pouring down, and the game was being fought under the most trying conditions. Just before the interval Everton returned to the attack, and when the whistle announced half-time the Small heath backs were busily defending their goal.
Half-time Everton 1 goal, Small Heath 1.
Correction- McDermott scored for Everton -not Booth.
Final Result- Small Heath 1 goal, Everton 1 goal.

SMALL HEATH 1 EVERTON 1
March 28, 1904. The Liverpool Courier
Everton resumed their League programme on Saturday, when they visited Birmingham to meet Small Heath. The issue was important not only to the clubs immediately concerned, but also to other organisation who, Like Small Heath are struggling for the retention of their position in the First League next season. The weather was dull, but there would be nearly 20,000 spectators, when the teams faced in the following order: - Small Heath: - Robinson goal, Glover and Stokes, backs, Beer, Wigmore, and Howard, half-backs, Athersmith, Green, Jones, Wilcox, and Field, forwards. Everton: - Kitchen goal, W.Balmer, and Crelly backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (captain) and Abbott, half-backs Sharp Taylor Settle, McDermott, and Hardman, forwards. Referee Mr.Goldstein.
Small Heath won the toss, and elected to kick towards the town end, McDermott kicking off for the visiting side. The home right was at once prominent, but Athersmith shot wide. Then Everton dashed down to the other end, only to be pulled up through Settle getting offside. The home now made tracks for the Everton goal, but Balmer was in fine form and cleared well. Good play by Sharp was spoiled through the alertness of Howard, who prevented the Everton outside right getting in his centre. The Everton forwards got in again, and the home goal had a narrow escape from Settle. Immediately afterwards McDermott shot out, and the Everton halves, continued to hold in check the Small Heath front rank, though a moment later their forwards, aided by passes from the intermediate line, attacked hotly, but without result. Lighting shot by the visiting centre was headed clear by Stokes at the expense of a corner. Everton afterwards were very nippy, and gave the home defence much trouble. A foul against Wolstenholme saw Wigmore shoot a trifle wide. Then the Evertonians came again, but Beers kicked in safely. A dashing attack by the Heanthens caused Kitchen to run out and kick away, from Filed who looked all over scoring. Although the ball was carried from end to end, Everton were having the best of matters without, however, being able to open the score. At last Jones set his men going, and after Balmer had robbed Field, Crelly tripped Wilcox. The referee awarded a penalty kick , and Beer being entrusted with the kick shot, into the corner of the net quite out of Kitchen's reach. Stung by the reverse, the Evertonians went off in great style, and the home defenders were heavily taxed for a few minutes. At last the Heathens broke clear, but Everton were soon back again. Taylor shooting outside, Sharp dashed away, and a capital centre enabled McDermott to get possession. The Everton man utilised his chance most effectively for with a brilliant shot, he equalised the score. Encouraged by this success, and amid a storm of rain which had just to commenced the Evertoninas pressed for all they were worth, and but for the steadiness of the home backs, they must have added to the score. Green cleverly tricked Booth but Abbott was too much for him. In trying to head the ball, Field fell on his back, and was for a few moments disabled. He however, soon resumed. Wigmore held Taylor, and from the foul, Everton made desperate efforts to take the lead, but Glover cleared his lines splendidly. Settle shot wide of the post, and a somewhat disjointed attack by the home side was easily disposed of. They quickly returned, and the time Kitchen threw away from Jones. Everton then called on the Small Heath goalkeeper, who saved from McDermott. During a tremendous onslaught by the Heathens Abbott cleared in marvellous fashion when a goal seen certain. Half time Small Heath 1, Everton 1.
After a long interval, Jones restarted, and the Heathens at once attacked, Wilcox shooting wide. Again the homesters tried to get through, but Balmer and Crelly were not to be beaten. Jones headed out a foul well taken by Glover and then Hardman dashed down the wing and put the ball across the goalmouth. Stokes clearing before Settle could get to it. The game had been very free from fouls, but a couple in succession temporally stopped the progress of the play, one close in to the home side being shot over badly by Glover. Athersmith tested Kitchen with a brilliant shot, which was as brilliantly saved. Then McDermott illegitimately charging Glover spoiled a splendid attack by the Evertonians. Towards the finish the quality of the play deteriorated largely owing to the heavy ground. Nothing more was scored, and the points were divided. Result Small Heath 1, Evertion 1.

EVERTON RESERVES 6 OSWALDTWISTLE ROVERS 2
March 28, 1904. The Liverpool Mercury
Lancashire Combination “A” Division (Game 26)
At Goodison Park. Makepeace and O'Hagan scored for Everton, before the interval. Resuming, the Rovers equalised in five minutes through Kelly, and Darlington. Makepeace from a penalty kick put Everton ahead, and Roberts scored the fourth, fifth and sixth goal, and Everton won by six goals to two. Everton: - Whitley goal, Wildman, and R.Balmer, backs, Clayton, Chadwick, and Makepeace half-backs, Rankin, McAdams, Roberts, O'Hagan and Dilly, forwards.

INTERNATIONAL HOUOUR FOR SHERIDAN
March 28, 1904. The Liverpool Mercury
The 21 st annual International between Ireland and Scotland was played at Dalymount Park, Dublin on Saturday, in front of 5,000 spectators, the game resulted in a one goal each.

EVERTON REVIEW
March 28. 1904. The Liverpool Mercury
The rest, which the Everton League obtained by reason of the semi-final at Goodison Park, seems to have done them good, for on Saturday they gave a bright display at Coventry-road, and shared the honours of a really excellent game with Small Heath. Since the New Year the “Heathens” have had considerable leeway, so much so, that they now appear to be assured of escaping relegation to the Second Division. In the earlier months of the season they dropped point after point even on the own enclosures, but for some weeks past the team have been able to present a bold front to the strongest sides in the League. Their ability was clearly evident in the game under notice, for although Everton undoubtedly were the cleverer combination, still, Small Heath gave one the impression that they are decidedly a difficult team to overcome. That nothing succeeds like success was manifest from the large crowd, which assembled to see how the locals would fate with the skilful Evertonians. Quite 20,000 spectators were present, and witnessing a game, which throughout always presented interesting features, awarded them. The ground was on the heavy side, and not long after the proceedings had commenced rain fell heavily, but these conditions had little, if any appreciable effect upon the earnestness of the opposing sides. Play started at a wonderfully fast pace, and in the earlier stage Everton was unquestionably the smarter combination. Their forward work was especially good, Sharp on more than one occasion electrifying the spectators by his brilliant runs down the wing. Under the pressure to which they were subjected, in speaks well for the soundness of the Small Heath defence that they were able to avert disaster. As a matter of fact it fell to the lot of the “Heathens” to score the first goal. This resulted from the always more or less unsatisfactory penalty kick, but still it counted, and served to make the play if possible keener than ever. It was not long however, before Everton found themselves on level terms McDermott it was who headed the ball past Robinson, but the chief credit for a magnificent goal must be ascribed to Sharp seeing that it was due to a brilliant run, and centre by the Everton sprinter that McDermott was afforded his chance. The teams crossed over without any addition to the score, and certainly it was by no means due to any falling off in the standard of play that the second half was profitless. Right to the finish the teams contested in splendid spirit every inch of the ground, and desperate capital forwards play, the respective defences succeeded in holding the upper hand. A feature of the game which one could not help noticing was the effective work of the half-back line. Small Heath. Like Everton are favoured in possessing a trio of halves who never know when they are beaten, and who never give quarter to the opposing forwards, and in no small degree was the paucity of goals one to the untiring efforts of the half-backs. Although Crelly gave away the penalty kick, and Balmer were successful in dealing with the attacks of the Small Heath forwards, but more work felt upon the home backs, for whom the old Liverpool player Glover was at the top of his form. Neither custodian was really troubled though each dealt with one or two ticklish shots, which might easily have beaten less experienced keepers. Although Small Heath no doubt would have been delighted with a win at the same time, in view of the actual run of play, they were quite content with a draw, for when the general reckoning comes that one point may prove extremely useful to the Midland club.

IRELAND TIE WITH SCOTLAND
Athletic News - Monday 28 March 1904
By Shamrock
Ireland finished her international campaign at Dublin on Saturday by following up her victory of Last year at Glasgow by taking points out of a strong Scottish side.  Nature smiled on Saturday’s match, but the crowd which assembled at Dalymount Park to greet the Scots on their debut before the Dublin public was disappointing in numbers.  The official figure did not transpire, but although the attendance was the largest seen at the park, it could not have exceeded 5,000 or 6,000 against the 9,000 which witnessed the only other international ever played in Dublin, that on march 17, 1900. 
Ireland;- Scott (Linfield); McCracken (Distillery), and McCartney (Linfield); Maginnis (Linfield), Milne (Linfield) (captain), and McConnell (Cliftonville); Campbell (Cliftonville), Sheridan (Everton), H. Reilly (Freehooters), Sloan (Bohemians), and Kirwan (Tottenham).  Scotland- Rennie (Hibernians); Jackson and Cameron (St. Mirren); Henderson (Rangers), Thomason (Hearts), and Robertson (Rangers); J. Walker (Rangers), R. Walker (Hearts), Hamilton (Rangers), Wilson (Third Lanark), and Smith (Rangers).  Referee Fred Kirkham, Preston. 

WELL MATCHED SIDES.
Athletic News - Monday 28 March 1904
By Brum
Small Heath are a capable side at the present time, but they met their match on Saturday. Everton are one of the smartest elevens in the country when they are at the top of their form, but they have an awkward knack of going: off their play at various periods. It was certainly not one of their off days on Saturday, for they provided the Coventry-road crowd with one of the greatest treats of the season. The teams were at full strength, and with the meteorological conditions reasonably favourable at the start there was a capital crowd. The weather served them some natty tricks later, but that did not matter, they were there, and they had paid their money. There were about 15,000 of them all told, and they had the satisfaction of witnessing some real football. The ground was a trifle greasy, but this did not seem to trouble the players, for the Everton men in particular were full of virility, and their combination was as fine as need be desired. John Sharp evidently getting into fine fettle for the cricket reason, for he was fleet and nippy, and Howard found him more than he could manage. For a considerable time it seemed likely that the Liverpudlians would gain an advantage; indeed, they seemed too many to be playing a winning game.
THE FATE OF EVIL DOERS
Then Small Heath put a smart piece of work, and Wilcox as was bursting through Crelly brought him down within the fatal area. Mr. Boldison promptly blew a fierce blast to mark his indignation. It may have sounded like a mean of triumph to Small Heath, but it was a funeral dirge to Everton, and very down in the mouth they looked over it. It is a bit rough when you are really having the better of the game for an incident of this kind to occur. With a face wreathed in smiles the sprightly Beer, who is an adept at everything appertaining to football, put the bail in position, and with hard, straight drive, put it past Kitchen. ‘‘That's well into the Kitchen,”' said a hard-faced man in front of me. ‘‘Yes, it’s into the scullery, I should think." I retorted. Everton, however, got level, and they richly deserved to do. Sharp made a clever run, and wound up with a fine centre, which McDermott took in hand so well that before the game was half an hour old the scores were on an equality. Then there was a ding-dong struggle, until the whistle came as a relief to the players, if not to the spectators. The game deteriorated in quality just a trifle towards the close, for both were keen on getting the winning point, but it did not come, and the game was drawn.
CHIEF CREDIT TO SMALL HEATH.
Small Heath were undoubtedly the cleverer side in this portion. They had twice as many shots at a goal as their rivals, the latter owing many thanks to Kitchen, who defended his charge with signal ability. All kinds of shots came to hand, but he disposed of them all with marked skill. Dealing with the individual players.  Sharp stood out in the forward line, he has not played many better games this season.  He shot off like a shaft from a bow, and very few of his centres went astray.  Hardman did well, and Settle and McDermott were always useful, while as a quintette the forwards created a big impression, and you could hear the crowd speculating to whether Small Heath could possibly beat such a side. The half-backs were all in good trim, and Balmer, Crelly, and Kitchen were rarely at fault. Small Heath have a remarkable defence now. It is the best defence in the Midlands I think.  Stokes and Glover have settled down to each other’s play nicely, and I do not desire to see a better pair. At half the “Heathens” were strong, too, although Beer was not quite at his best, which was a pity, as I heard that he was under special observation. In the forward line there were no shirkers, and if the brilliant tactics of last week were not in evidence the reason probably was that Everton played a more effective sporting game than the “Wolves” did. Green was again full of enthusiasm, and was never off the ball, while Field and Wilcox made an effective wing. Altogether, it was a match such as every intelligent spectator yearns to see each week. Small Heath; Robinson; Glover, and Stokes; Beer, Wigmore, and Howard; Athersmith, Green, Jones, Wilcox, and Field.  Everton; Kitchen; Balmer, and Crelley: Wolstenholmes, Booth and Abbott; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and Hardman.  Referee; H. Boldison, Stockton. 

EVERTON TOPIC
Athletic News - Monday 28 March 1904
By Junius
In view of the excellent form which Small heath have displayed since January it must be reckoned a fine performance on the part of Everton to share the points at Birmingham.  As they won the first game of the season by 5 goals to 1, they have had a decided pull in their fixtures with the Midlanders.  Everton have had quite a long spell of away matches and owing to the fact that two of their League matches have had to be re-arranged on account of cup-ties, there has not been a League game at Goodison Park since January 23, when, curiously enough, the Villa were the visitors.  The dates of the return games with Sheffield Wednesday, West Bromwich and Manchester City have been decided upon, and the leaders will appear on Easter Monday at Goodison Park, the Combination match between Everton and Liverpool have been settled to take place on the morning of that day.  West Bromwich will come down here on the 18th prox., and Manchester on the 25th, each of these being Monday matches, and the City, it will be seen, will have to tackle Everton two days after the final-tie at the Crystal palace. 

EVERTON RESERVES WIN EASILY
Athletic News - Monday 28 March 1904
By Junius
In the Lancashire Combination match with Oswaldtwistle, the Everton second string secured a ready victory by 6 goals to 2.  Makepeace and O’Hagan scored in the first half but afterwards Kelly and Darlington defeated Whitley and made matters level.  Makepeace gained the lead from a penalty and in quick succession the Everton centre-forward put on three goals, in good style.  As the final figures show, the game went all in Everton’s favour and they thoroughly deserved their decisive victory.  In the forward line, about the constitution of which there was some mystery in advantage, and the centre-forward, who credited himself with three goals, deserves no slight mead of praise.  Makepeace and the young Balmer were the pick of the backs, who were not, however, very seriously harassed by the visitors’ front line.  For the latter Kelly, on the extreme left, showed good form, and Blackshaw, on the opposite wing, rendered useful service.  Hindle kept goal well, including the saving of a penalty kick and Hargreaves was the better of the full backs. 

IRELAND TIE WITH SCOTLAND
Athletic News - Monday 28 March 1904
By Shamrock
Ireland finished her international campaign at Dublin on Saturday by following up her victory last year at Glasgow by taking points out of a strong Scottish side. Nature smiled on Saturday's match, but the crowd which assembled at Dalymount Park to greet the Scots on their debut before the Dublin public was disappointing in numbers.  The official figure did not transpire, but although the attendance was the largest seen at the park, it could not have exceeded 5,000 or 6,000 against the 9.000 which witnessed the only other international ever played in Dublin, that of March 17, 1900. But I certain that  the success financially of Saturday’s match was more pronounced. The Scots received a rousing welcome when they came out headed by the band of the Warwick Regiment, and if their first visit to the Irish capital does not live long and pleasantly in their memories it will not be the fault of their Dublin hosts. The success of the Irishmen in dividing the points for the second time since 1884 was received with extreme satisfaction. Speaking to a prominent Scottish official afterwards I gleaned that the Scots were not little disconcerted at the smallness of the ground—a maximum sized one, I may add—and its unevenness, the backs being puzzled to such an extent that they never knew which way the ball intended to turn. However, I would say that what was good for the goose was as good for the gander. There could be no doubting the fact that Ireland deserved her point, but the disappointment of the Scots must be accounted for no matter how.
ONE FOR SCOTLAND.
The game opened sensationally, with Ireland all but through in the first minute, but when the teams had settled down a change came over the scene. The Everton lad, Sheridan, however, forced the first corner from Rennie, and, a little judgment by O'Reilly, and he might have headed the ball in the net The next businesslike effort made by Alec Smith, who banged the ball at Scott, and the Irish goalkeeper was soon again busy after the ball left Wilson’s foot, but he saved with commendable promptitude.  There was a breeziness about the game, which was refreshing to the Dublin spectator, who was enthusiastic in praise of his countrymen, but when the nimble Hamilton wriggled through and sent the ball flying out of Scott's reach enthusiasm abated. This disaster happened early on, but preceding it Rennie had made a wonderful save against Sheridan, who almost lifted the Hibernian off his feet with his shot. The goal was the only one scored in the first half, but there were many exciting periods before the interval. For instance, after R. Walker had tried Scott, O’Reilly had a glorious chance of equalising, which he threw away, and then, when within a couple of yards from Rennie, Sloan made a ness of the opportunity of life-time. But the Irishmen had not all the bad luck of this half, repeated and meritorious efforts by the and Hamilton failing only by inches. However, the play was brimful of exciting exchanges, and when the teams retired with Scotland one clear goal ahead, people considered they had got value for their money.
THE HIBERNIANS ON TERMS.
“Paddy," of course, stood a poor chance in the second half, it was thought, but “Paddy” never knows when he is beaten. Ireland, as in the first half, got the first corner, and after Hamilton, Smith, and Wilson had visited the other end, four additional corners accrued to the Irishmen, who literally bombarded Rennie. Robertson—the ever brilliant Robertson—however, raised the siege, and like a flash the Scotch quintette bore down on Scott, Walker firing a rasping shot at the Irishman. Subsequently play fluctuated considerably, Scotland vainly endeavouring to make the position secure. Rennie, after an Irish excursion, had a close shave, Kirwan shivering the post after eluding Cameron and Henderson, but Rennie’s respite was only temporary. He ran out to meet the ball. For a second or so it looked odds on him, but Sheridan got the better of him and crashed the ball in, great yell going up. From this to the end the game was splendidly fought out, but at intervals Hamilton, J. Walker, and Wilson made the crowd hold
their breath. Until the whistle went it never appeared as if the game would be drawn, but such was the result, and if ever Ireland deserved a point she deserved it on Saturday. CRITICAL IMPRESSIONS
I have watched the last four internationals at Belfast in which Scotland figured, and candidly on Saturday I was disappointed, not with the game as a whole, but with the Scottish football, which was below the average usually supplied by combinations sent across to this country from the land of the thistle. Lovely play we were treated to at times; in fact such classical work has never been seen in Dublin before, not even excepting the English display of 1900 at Lansdowne-road, but that grim earnestness and that irresistible dash for goal which leads to scoring were conspicuously absent from the Scottish attack. But if the attack was indecisive the defence was all round solid, that is taking the peculiar formation of the ground into consideration. I may, however, remark that had it not been for the efforts of the half-backs the backs would have been found wanting, and perhaps in that event Rennie would not have been so successful. The Irish forwards showed all their wonted dash, but they were handicapped by the want of a really efficient centre. The half-backs, a Belfast trio, did not to at all badly, but concerning the backs and goalkeeper I cannot write too eulogistically. On the other hand, Hamilton proved himself an artist. He made innumerable openings, and when it came to taking the ball from the wings his manoeuvring was delightful. His right-hand partner, “Bobbie” Walker was very artistic, if not exceedingly brilliant, but when it was remembered that he had been a doubtful starter, owing to illness, his display may be regarded as very high class. The Third Lanark man and Alec. Smith began well, but the change from brilliance to dullness of the left-wing pair was quick and noticeable. On the other wing, J. Walker proved a dangerous customer. Some critic considered Thomson the best half-back, and really he appeared to be, but calmer, reflection convinces me that Robertson  stood out alone in a class by himself.  Robertson was brilliant as a half-back, forward and a full back. He often cleared his goal when all seemed over, and that Scotland was not bowled over was due in a measure to the excellent judgement of “Jock” the model half-back. Henderson was fair but the  backs did not shine brightly. Jackson, I was told, did not play as usually he does, and was not so clever as Cameron, and regarding Rennie’s merits as goalkeeper-well, he plays against England. The amateur forwards of Ireland may be described as failure. O’Reilly was overawed by the Scotch backs, and although he played well with Kirwan in the first half, Sloan finished the game with his reputation a little blighted. Kirwan and Campbel, on the wings, covered much ground, the Hotspur man being as good a forward as on the field. Sheridan gave a display which atoned for his failure at Belfast. The Irish “halves” were slow and ragged; Milne, the veteran, being the best. McCracken, at back played his best game, he and McCartney being very sure. Scott’s goalkeeper, like Rennie’s was capital.
Ireland.- Scott (Linfield); McCracken (Distillery) and McCartney (Linfield)l Maginnis (Linfield), Milne (Linfield) (captain), and McConnell (Cliftonville); Campbell (Cliftonville), Sheridan (Everton), H. Reilly (Freebooters), Sloan (Bohemians), and Kirwan (Tottenham Hotspur).
Scotland.- Rennie (Hibernian); Jackson and Cameron (St. Mirren); Henderson (Rangers), Thomson (Heart of Midlothian), and Robertson (Rangers) J. Walker (Rangers), R. Walker (Heart of Midlothian), Hamilton (Rangers), Wilson (Third Lanark), and Smith (Rangers). Referee: Fred Kirkham, Preston.

SMALL HEATH v  EVERTON
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 28 March 1904
At Small Heath, in dull but not unpleasant weather. Small Heath are an interesting side to watch now, and there were 17,000 people present. The game was keenly contested, and Green did splendid work for his side, while Jones shot well. Beer scored from a penalty, which followed the bringing down of Wilcox. Then McDermott was able to equalise. Half-time- Small Heath 1 Everton 1
In the second half some football of a particularly interesting type was seen, and both sides excelled both in attack and defence. A long dribble by Green served his side well, but scoring was not an easy matter. Beer once grazed the bar, and Small Heath were the more virile team, but they found Balmer and Crelly very hard to press.
Result- Small Heath 1 Everton 1
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and Hardman, forwards.
Small Heath.- Robinson, goal; Glover and Stokes, backs; Beer, Wigmore, and Howard, half-backs; Athersmith, Green, Jones, Wilcock, and Field, forwards.

A POINT LOST
Birmingham Daily Gazette - Monday 28 March 1904
Everton make a draw with small heath
SMALL HEATH 1 EVERTON 1
By Spectator.
Again performing before their own supporters on Saturday, Small Heath showed a little falling off from the form which they had exhibited in previous matches and could only succeed in dividing points with Everton. On the whole, perhaps, it is satisfactory for to Heath to share the honours with a team like Everton, but they have been doing so well since the new year commenced that their supporters were hopeful that the full number of points would be secured, and the 5-1 thrashing at Goodison Park avenged. It was not to be, however, though it is not misrepresenting the run of the play to say that the Coventry-road lot ought to have won.
THE GOALS
The first half was fairly even. Beer scored from a penalty fifteen minutes from the start, Wilcox having been hardly tripped within the area when he looked like scoring. Ten minutes later Everton equalised. Athersmith was indirectly to blame for this point, for, trying a bit of finesse near the Everton goal, he was easily robbed. The ball was swung over to Sharp, who bounded off along the wing and centred accurately, and McDermott getting his head to the ball as Robinson ran out, put the sides level. It seemed to me that if the custodian had not run out he could have saved. The greater part of the first half was played in a fog and downpour of rain.
LACK OF FINISH
In the second portion Small Heath did most of the attacking, but their efforts lacked finish in front of goal, and though Kitchen was frequently called upon to show what an excellent custodian he is, the Heath failed to penetrate his charge again, and the end came with the score unchanged. The falling off I have mentioned was in the Heath vanguard and half-back line. There was not that combination and good understanding among the forwards we have recently seen, and the half-backs failed to tackle as strongly as usual. Howard was the best of the three, Beer, for once, allowing the opposing wing too much rope. The extreme wing men of Everton, Sharp, and Hardman, required a lot of watching, and with Settle operating in the centre the Heath defenders had all their work cut out to check promising attacks. Glover and Stokes, however, were in grand trim- the latter is one of the soundest backs in the League. Kitchen kept goal splendidly, some of his saves, in particularly two from Athersmith and Wilcox, being magnificent.

SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 28 March 1904
Everton accomplished a really good performance on Saturday in drawing with Small Heath in the Midland capital. The Heathens have, since the beginning of the year, delighted their supporters by the vastly improved form which they have displayed. In fact, since the 1st January, they can boast of not having sustained a single League reverse. Saturday’s game was one of the most keenly contested which has been seen at the Coventry ground this season, and was enjoyed by a crowd of some 20,000 spectators. -a tribute to the success which has attended the efforts of the players for some weeks past. Right from the start it was evident that despite the somewhat heavy ground, the opposing sides meant to make the pace hot. In the earlier stages the Everton attack was most conspicuous, and only the tenacious defence of Small Heath prevented the visiting forwards from opening the scoring.
The first tangible success, however, accrued to Small Heath, and it came from a penalty kick given against Crelly for handling. This unexpected reverse only roused the Evertonians to further exertions, and they were justly rewarded by a beautiful goal scored by McDermott as the result of a brilliant run and centre by Sharp, who was in his most dashing form. This completed the scoring, although the game was contested in ding-doing fashion until the whistle blew for the cessation of hostilities. On the general run of the play Everton were the more scientific side, but the determination of the Heathens was such that the result was a fair criterion of the merits of the teams. The distinguishing feature of the match was the altogether admirable play of the respective half-back lines. It was largely due to this fact that the backs and goalkeepers had comparatively few serious demands made upon them.

EVERTON AT COVENTRY ROAD
Football  Chat & Athletic World - Tuesday 29 March 1904
An exciting struggle took place at Small Heath, where Everton were the visitors. Fog, hail, and rough play characterised the proceedings -a nice assortment for the “nimble tanner"! Beers scored from a penalty for the home team, and a visiting half-back, Booth, equalised. Everton showed themselves a fine team, and had not Glover and Stokes demonstrated their full-back cleverness, methinks the Toffees would have walked off with both points. The Heathens' half-backs were erratic. Abbott, the Evertonian and ex-Heathen, was penalised by his old friends upon fouling an opponent occasionally! But Small Heath looks good for another season in Division I.
MR. MOLYNUEX AND BRENTFORD
Brentford people complain bitterly over Mr. Molyneux's suspension as a harsh one and aver that he was quite ignorant over the Bishop transaction, which has ended in the ex-Everton manager being debarred from management during critical month for re-signing old players of April. However, with such a capable and genial understudy as Mr. Will Lewis, last season's secretary, the Bees need not fear that any really deserving exponents will be allowed to depart.
Everton one of this season’s crack League teams, are to play a friendly match with the Rangers on Saturday April 23. It is not a little singular that Everton were the Rangers’ visitors when, as amateurs, they opened their lease of the Kensal Rise ground six seasons ago, and that now, almost simultaneous with their departure from the National Athletic Grounds, they should again be on view.